Management of the difficult pediatric airway: Efficacy of airway exchange catheters with rigid bronchoscopy

Abstract

The airway exchange catheter can be used both to ventilate the lungs and to act as a guide for reintubation in patients of all ages who have a tenuous airway. We report the case of a 2-year-old boy with an anatomically challenging airway in whom both an airway exchange catheter and a rigid bronchoscope were used to visualize and maintain a secure airway. We also review the literature as it pertains to the management of the difficult pediatric airway.