# Fibreoptic endotracheal intubation

Fibreoptic endotracheal intubation

In most emergency situations, endotracheal intubation is the most direct and satisfactory method of  securing the airway . Nasotracheal ‘awake’ intubation in expert hands is also a well-established technique and is particularly useful if  the patient has trismus, severe mandibular injuries, cervical spine rigidity or an obstructing mass within the oral cavity or lower down in the upper aerodigestive tract. This is facilitated by passing a fibreoptic endoscope through the centre of  an endo - tracheal tube, hence guiding it into the larynx and trachea under direct vision. 

Figure 52.47
A laryngeal mask airway being inserted.

Fibreoptic endotracheal intubation

In most emergency situations, endotracheal intubation is the most direct and satisfactory method of  securing the airway . Nasotracheal ‘awake’ intubation in expert hands is also a well-established technique and is particularly useful if  the patient has trismus, severe mandibular injuries, cervical spine rigidity or an obstructing mass within the oral cavity or lower down in the upper aerodigestive tract. This is facilitated by passing a fibreoptic endoscope through the centre of  an endo - tracheal tube, hence guiding it into the larynx and trachea under direct vision. 

Figure 52.47
A laryngeal mask airway being inserted.