Medscape features new ASA decision tree tool to help treat difficult airways

The article details the tool, published in Anesthesia & Analgesia, which guides anesthesiologists through managing patients with difficult airways by improving communication and identifying factors of concern. "The tool prompts the anesthesiologist to consider the risk of difficulty with laryngoscopy (direct or indirect) and tracheal intubation, facemask or supraglottic ventilation, gastric contents aspiration, and rapid oxyhemoglobin desaturation," wrote William Rosenblatt, M.D., co-author of the tool. Jeremy Walco, M.D., was also quoted in the article.