Patient Experience of Transoral Versus Transnasal Awake Tracheal Intubation

Patient Experience of Transoral Versus Transnasal Awake Tracheal Intubation With Flexible Bronchoscopy - an Observational Study

Airway management problems are key drivers for anesthesia-related adverse events. Awake tracheal intubation using flexible bronchoscopy and preserved spontaneous breathing (ATI:FB) is a recommended technique to manage difficult tracheal intubation in anaesthesia, intensive care and emergency medicine. ATI:FB is regarded as the gold standard of tracheal intubation in many scenarios, however there is insufficient data on the patients experience while undergoing this form of airway management. ATI:FB can be facilitated using either a transnasal or transoral route. The study aims to compare patient-centred and operator-focused outcome parameters between these two different approaches with a focus on patient discomfort.

Inclusion Criteria:

• patients scheduled for surgery requiring tracheal intubation
• patients with an anticipated difficult airway requiring ATI:FB
• consent by the patient
• minimum 18 years of age

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients scheduled for surgery requiring tracheal intubation
• patients not scheduled for ATI:FB
• pregnant or breastfeeding patients
• consent withheld or not possible to obtain by the patient