Communication about Shared Airways
Jun 24, 2024Safe shared airway surgery requires a high degree of cooperation between all team members. Here’s what you need to know:
🌟 Preoperative 🌟
🔍 Clear and open communication:
The anaesthetic nurse should always feel comfortable asking the surgical team about airway management. Using clear and closed-loop communication is important in the setting of shared airway surgery.
🔍 Type of airway:
Even if you think you know the plan, confirm this with the anaesthetist and surgical team.
🔍 Access required:
Check if the surgical team has any specific requirements about positioning and access to the airway.
🔍 Anticipated problems:
During the Team Time-Out, check whether any team members have concerns about THIS patient or THIS procedure.
🌟 Intraoperative 🌟
🔍 Confirm airway type and communicate difficulties at intubation:
After intubation, confirm position with end-tidal CO2 and ensure the surgical team is aware of any difficulties encountered.
🔍 Remain vigilant for airway/ventilation issues:
Surgery in the airway can cause movement, kinking, or removal of the airway. Remain vigilant, and communicate any changes early.
🔍 Observe blood loss:
Keep an eye on bleeding during the surgery, and elicit the likelihood of postoperative bleeding.
🔍 Inspect airway prior extubation:
Directly inspect the airway, check for bleeding +/- throat pack removal.
🔍 Elicit any anticipated postoperative problems:
Discuss any concerns about the postoperative period with the anaesthetist and surgical team.
🌟 Postoperative 🌟
If unexpected problems occur in the recovery room, ensure all parties have been made aware.
✅ Build knowledge
✅ Improve safety
Ref: Shamji FM, Deslauriers J. Sharing the Airway: The Importance of Good Communication Between Anesthesiologist and Surgeon. Thorac Surg Clin. 2018 Aug;28(3):257-261. doi: 10.1016/j.thorsurg.2018.05.001. PMID: 30054062.
Stay connected with news and updates!
Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team.
Don't worry, your information will not be shared.
We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.