This document discusses awake intubation, including: 1. Awake intubation is indicated for patients with anticipated difficult airways to maintain airway patency. 2. Proper preparation includes premedication to alleviate anxiety, dry the airway, and protect against aspiration. Topicalization of the airway with local anesthetics is also important. 3. Nerve blocks like the sphenopalatine and anterior ethmoidal blocks are used to anesthetize the nasal cavity and nasopharynx during nasal awake intubation.

1. AWAKE INTUBATION
PREPARATION AND BLOCKS
ZIKRULLAH

2. BACKGROUND
• First awake intubation was performed by Dr.
Macewend in 1880 without topical or regional
blocks , sedatives, analgesics.

3. When do we need Awake Intubation??
• History of the patient and Airway assessment is
suggestive of a
-Difficult mask ventilation.
-Difficult conventional Laryngoscopy and
Intubation.
• In such circumstances, awake intubation becomes
the most prudent and secure option to maintain the
patency of Airway. 3

4. DIFFICULT AIRWAY
GENERAL ANESTHESIA
+/- PARALYSIS
RECOGNIZED
PROPER
PREPARATION
ASA DIFFICULT AIRWAY ALGORITHM
UNRECOGNIZED
AWAKE
INTUBATION
CHOICES
SUCCEED
FAIL
SURGICAL
AIRWAY
MASK
VENTILATION
NO
YES
EMERGENCY
PATHWAY
NON -EMERGENCY
PATHWAY
LMA
COMBITUBE
TTJV
INTUBATION
CHOICES
INTUBATION
CHOICES
SURGICAL
AIRWAY
SUCCEED
FAIL
CONFIRM
ANESTHESIA
WITH MASK
VENTILATION
AWAKEN
SURGICAL
AIRWAY
EXTUBATE
OVER JET
STYLET
REGIONAL
ANESTHESIA
CANCEL
CASE
REGROUP
Intubation choices include use of different
laryngoscope blades, LMA as an intubation
conduit (with or without fiberoptic guidance),
fiberoptic intubation, intubating stylet or tube
changer, light wand, retrograde intubation,
and blind oral or nasal intubation.
*
*
*
AWAKEN
DIFFICULT AIRWAY
GENERAL ANESTHESIA
+/- PARALYSIS
RECOGNIZED
PROPER
PREPARATION
ASA DIFFICULT AIRWAY ALGORITHM
UNRECOGNIZED
AWAKE
INTUBATION
CHOICES
SUCCEED
FAIL
SURGICAL
AIRWAY
MASK
VENTILATION
NO
YES
EMERGENCY
PATHWAY
NON -EMERGENCY
PATHWAY
LMA
COMBITUBE
TTJV
INTUBATION
CHOICES
INTUBATION
CHOICES
SURGICAL
AIRWAY
SUCCEED
FAIL
CONFIRM
ANESTHESIA
WITH MASK
VENTILATION
AWAKEN
SURGICAL
AIRWAY
EXTUBATE
OVER JET
STYLET
REGIONAL
ANESTHESIA
CANCEL
CASE
REGROUP
Intubation choices include use of different
laryngoscope blades, LMA as an intubation
conduit (with or without fiberoptic guidance),
fiberoptic intubation, intubating stylet or tube
changer, light wand, retrograde intubation,
and blind oral or nasal intubation.
*
*
*
AWAKEN

5. WHY AWAKE INTUBATION IN Pt. WITH DA ???
1. The natural airway is preserved
2. Spontaneous breathing is maintained
3. A patient who is awake and well topicalized is
easier to intubate
4. The patient can still protect his or her airway
from aspiration.
5. Patients are able to monitor their own
neurologic symptoms (for example, the patient
with potential cervical pathology).

6. INDICATIONS FOR AWAKE INTUBATION
1. Previous history of difficult intubation.
2. Anticipated difficult airway (assessed on physical
examination) .
3. Trauma to the following:
Face
Upper airway
Cervical spine
4. Anticipated difficult mask ventilation
5. Severe risk of aspiration
6. Respiratory failure
7. Severe hemodynamic instability
6

7. Elements of Awake Intubation(AI)
Element Underlying Concept or Action
Explanation Patients understand Safety
Desiccation Dry the Airway
Dilatation Prepare the Nose
Tropicalization Obtund Reflexes
Sedation Maintain the patient’s airway
control
Procrastination AI Cannot and Should not be
RUSHED

8. THE PREOPERATIVE VISIT
A. REVIEWING OLD CHARTS
Focus on four important features:
• Degree of difficulty of the endotracheal intubation
• Positioning of the patient during laryngoscopy
• Equipment used
• Whether the technique that was used previously is
familiar

9. B. PREPARATION OF THE PATIENT
• A detailed explanation of the technique is
provided, and questions are answered.
• Reason should be explained to the patient,
emphasizing that this is done for the patient's
safety.
• The patient is informed of what he or she can do
to assist in a smooth intubation.

10. PREMEDICATION
• Alleviate anxiety
• Provide a clear and dry airway
• Protect against the risk of aspiration
• Enable adequate topicalization of the airway

11. A. SEDATIVES/HYPNOTICS
• 1. BENZODIAZEPINES
• Excellent anxiolytics, amnestics, sedatives, and
hypnotics.
• MIDAZOLAM
• Dosages : 0.07 -0.15 mg/kg i.m.
• 0.01 – 0.1 mg/kg i.v.
• decrease the dose (∼30%) if narcotics or other central
nervous system depressants are administered
concomitantly.

12. • 2. OPIOIDS
• Sedatives
• Antitussive properties depress laryngeal reflexes
further
• Alter the respiratory pattern to a slower and
deeper rhythm.
• FENTANYL: 1 to 2 μg/kg i.v.
• onset in about 2 to 3 minutes
• Transmucosally, the onset of effect is 5 to 15
minutes, with peak analgesia within 20 to 30
minutes
• SUFENTANIL: 1 μg/kg i.v. onset in 1 to 3 minutes

13. • 3. INTRAVENOUS HYPNOTICS
• DEXMEDETOMIDINE:
• Highly specific α2-adrenoreceptor agonist
• Sedative, analgesic, without a change in ventilatory status
• Dose :1 μg/kg IV over 10 minutes
• :infusion of 0.2 to 0.7 μg/kg/hr
• PROPOFOL
• Sedating dosage : 0.25 mg/kg IV
• Excellent sedative with a smooth plane achieved
• Good acceptance by patients
• Amnesia, adequate anxiolysis, and beneficial antiemetic
properties.

14. B. ASPIRATION PROPHYLAXIS
• patients with full stomach (e.g., trauma victims) or be obese with DA
• H2-RECEPTOR ANTAGONISTS
• Cimetidine and Ranitidine
• Selective and competitive antagonists that block secretion ofH+
• Ranitidine : 0.25-1.0 mg/kg i.v
• Cimetidine : 5-10 mg /kg PO
• METOCLOPRAMIDE
• Dopamine antagonist
• Doses are 0.15 to 0.3 mg/kg IV.
• For complete aspiration prophylaxis, a combination of
nonparticulate antacid, H2-receptor blocking agent, and
metoclopramide may be used.

15. • C. ANTISIALOGOGUES
• Secretions obscure the view
• Prevents the local anesthetics from reaching intended areas,
• Administered approximately 1.5 hours prior to the
application of local anesthetics
• Atropine:
• Dosage : 0.01-0.02 mg/kg i.v.
• : 0.02 mg/kg i.m.
• Glycopyrrolate :
• Dose: 0.005-0.01 mg/kg
• Onset in 1 to 2 minutes
• 20 min. before intubation

16. D. Nasal mucosal vasoconstrictors
• Patient requires awake nasal intubation,
adequate anesthesia of this area, along with
vasoconstriction, is essential
• Agents commonly used are 4% cocaine and 2%
lidocaine with 1% phenylephrine
• Adequate anesthesia and vasoconstriction can be
achieved in 10 to 15 minutes
• Nasal decongestants 0.025% to 0.05%
oxymetazoline hydrochloride nasal solution
sprayed twice in each nostril

17. PREOPERATIVE PREPARATIONS
• 1. STAFF
• One additional individual to serve as an
assistant in DA management.
• Preferred whenever possible is a second
anesthesiologist who can assist in the
monitoring and ventilation of the patient
• 2. MONITORS
• During AI, the routine use of ECG, noninvasive
BP monitor, pulse oximetry, capnography, and
a precordial stethoscope is required as part of
standard basic intraoperative monitoring

18. • 3. SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN
• Supplemental oxygen (O2) should be considered
during the entire process of DA management
• In addition to the standard methods there are
nonconventional methods for increasing the
fractional concentration of o2in inspired gas
(fio2):
• suction port of the FOB,
• Atomizer during topicalization, or
• Elective transtracheal jet ventilation (TTJV)

19. 4 . AIRWAY EQUIPMENT
• Suggested Contents of the Portable Unit for Difficult Airway
Management :
• 1. Rigid laryngoscope blades
• 2. Endotracheal tubes of assorted sizes.
• 3. Endotracheal tube guides.
• 4. Fiberoptic intubation equipment.
• 5. Retrograde intubation equipment.
• 6. At least one device for emergency nonsurgical airway
ventilation.
• 7. Equipment suitable for emergency surgical airway
access
• 8. An exhaled CO2 detector.
• 9. Pulse oximetry unit.
• 10. Portable O2 tank.

20. TOPICALIZATION
• A. LIDOCAINE
• Available in various preparations including
aqueous (1%, 2%, and 4%) and viscous (1%)
solutions, ointment (1%), and aerosol preparation
• Xylocaine 10% metered-dose oral spray (astra)
delivers 10 mg per spray and rapidly anesthetizes
the upper airway.
• B. BENZOCAINE
• Benzocaine is available for use as 10%, 15%, and
20% solutions

21. • C. COCAINE
• Local anesthesia and vasoconstriction when applied
topically
• Available as 4% and 10% solutions, for topical application.
• The 10% solution is not used because of a very high
incidence of toxic effects.
• The maximum dose should not exceed 200 mg or 1 mg/kg.
• Cocaine should be used with caution in patients with
known hypersensitivity, coronary artery disease,
hypertension, pseudocholinesterase deficiency,
preeclampsia or hyperthyroidism as well as in children,
elderly patients, and patients receiving monoamine oxidase
inhibitors

22. • E. Application Techniques
• 1. ATOMIZERS
• Tetracaine : 0.3% to 0.5% with epinephrine
1:200,000 maximum 4 to 7 mL,
• Lidocaine :4% maximum 10 mL,
• placed in an atomizer , connected to the oxygen
tank (flow, 8 to 10 L/min), and sprayed in the
oropharynx for 10-second periods with 20-
second rest intervals for about 20 minutes

24. • 2. NEBULIZERS
• The ultrasonic nebulizer utilizes 5 mL of 4%
lidocaine to be nebulized with O2 (6 to 8 L/min).
• The size of the droplet depends on the flow of O2
and the type of nebulizer.
• With O2 flow less than 6 L/min, droplet sizes of 30
to 60 μm can be achieved, coating the mucosa up
to the trachea.
• Other less commonly used techniques for topical
anesthesia include lozenges (amethocaine
lozenges 60 mg) and gargle with 4% lidocaine gel.

25. • NERVE BLOCKS

26. SENSORY NERVE SUPPLY 0F AIRWAY

27. • A. NASAL CAVITY AND NASOPHARYNX
• The majority of the innervation is derived
from two sources: the sphenopalatine
ganglion and the anterior ethmoidal nerve.
• Located in the pterygopalatine fossa
posterior to the middle turbinate.
• The greater and lesser palatine nerves,
provide sensory innervation to the nasal
turbinates and to two thirds of the posterior
nasal septum

28. SPHENOPALATINE NERVE BLOCK:
NASAL APPROACH
• Long cotton-tipped applicators soaked in either
4% cocaine or 4% lidocaine with epinephrine
1:200,000 applied over the mucosal surface
overlying the ganglion
• The applicator should be angled at approximately
45-degree angle to the hard palate until the upper
posterior wall of the nasopharynx (sphenoid bone)
is reached.
• The applicators are then left in place for
approximately 5 to 10 minutes

30. • ANTERIOR ETHMOIDAL NERVE BLOCK
• The anterior ethmoidal nerve is blocked by the
insertion of a long cotton-tipped applicator, soaked
in either 4% cocaine or 4% lidocaine with
epinephrine 1:200,000, that is placed parallel to the
dorsal surface of the nose until it meets the anterior
surface of the cribriform plate .
• The applicator is held in position for 5 to 10 minutes.

31. B. OROPHARYNX
• The somatic and visceral afferent fibers of the
oropharynx are supplied by a plexus derived from
the vagus, facial, and glossopharyngeal nerves
(GPN).
• GPN supplies sensory innervation to the posterior
third of the tongue (lingual branch), vallecula,
anterior surface of the epiglottis, posterior and
lateral walls of the pharynx, and the tonsillar
pillars.

32. • 2. GLOSSOPHARYNGEAL NERVE BLOCK
• The oropharynx is topicalized
• patient is placed in the sitting position and asked
to protrude the tongue anteriorly
• displaces the tongue medially, forming a gutter or
trough
• The gutter ends in a cul-de-sac formed by the
base of the palatoglossal arch
• A 25-gauge spinal needle is inserted at the base
of the cul-de- sac and advanced 0.25 to 0.5 cm
• Two milliliters of 1% to 2% lidocaine is injected,
and the procedure is repeated on the other side

33. • COMPLICATIONS: headache,pharyngeal
abcess,hematoma,paralysis of pharyngeal
muscles with airway obstruction

34. . LARYNX
• The SLN supplies sensory innervation to the
base of the tongue, vallecula, epiglottis,
aryepiglottic folds, arytenoids, and down to
but excluding the vocal cords.
• The SLN originates as a branch of the vagus
nerve, lying deep to the carotid artery. It then
travels anteriorly and at the level of the cornu
of the hyoid bone branches

35. • Position And Landmarks
• The patient is placed in the supine position, head
slightly extended.
• The cornu of the hyoid bone lies beneath the angle of
the mandible and anterior to the carotid artery
• The superior cornu of the thyroid cartilage can be
recognized by palpating the thyroid notch and tracing
the upper edge of the thyroid cartilage posteriorly.

36. EXTERNAL APPROACH:
• The patient is placed supine with the neck extended.
• The hyoid bone is displaced laterally toward the side
to be blocked,
• 25-gauge, 2.5-cm needle is walked off the greater
cornu of the hyoid bone inferiorly and advanced 2 to
3 mm. As the needle passes through the thyrohyoid
membrane, a slight loss of resistance is felt, and 3 mL
of 1% lignocaine solution is injected superficial and
deep to this structure. The block is then repeated on
the opposite side.
36

38. INTERNAL APPROACH: PYRIFORM FOSSA
• Patient is asked to open the mouth widely, and the
tongue is grasped using a guaze pad or tongue
blade.
• A right angle forcep (e.g., Jackson-Krause) is
covered with anesthetic-soaked guaze and is slid
over the lateral posterior curvature of tongue and
down into the pyriform sinuses bilaterally.
• Cotton swabs are held in place for 5 minutes.
38

39. 39

40. D. TRACHEA AND VOCAL CORDS
Translaryngeal block
Patient selection
– A translaryngeal block results in anesthesia of the
trachea below the vocal cords.
– However, injection of local anesthetic usually
stimulates the cough reflex, and this block should
be avoided in patients in whom coughing is
undesirable.
Drug
– 3-4 ml of 4% lidocaine
40

41. – Patient lies supine with neck slightly extended
– Cricothyroid memb. is identified.

42. Position
– A 22 gauge or smaller needle is inserted into
midline until air can be freely aspirated .
– 3ml of LA is injected rapidly
– Needle should be removed rapidly since the pt
usually coughs vigorously.
– This helps in spreading the LA under the vocal
cord thus causing rapid anaesthesia of trachea
&carina.

44. 44

45. Potential problem
– Coughing
– Bleeding from thyroid gland & its blood vessel.
– Tracheal injury.
– Subcutaneous emphysema.

46. SPRAY AS YOU GO TECHNIQUE
• Noninvasive and involves injecting local anesthetics
through the suction port of the FOB.
• It requires attaching a triple stopcock to the proximal
portion of the suction port in order to connect
oxygen tubing to flow at 2 to 4 L/min.
• Under direct vision through the bronchoscope,
targeted areas are sprayed with aliquots of 0.2 to 1.0
mL of 2% to 4% lidocaine. The physician then waits
30 to 60 seconds before advancing to deeper
structures and repeating the maneuver.
46

47. LABAT TECHNIQUE
• Method of anesthetizing the vocal cords and trachea.
• This technique requires a laryngeal mirror, a head
lamp, and a Labat needle.
• Sitting position, mouth wide open, the tongue is
pulled outward.
47

48. • In a right hand–dominant physician the left hand
holds the laryngeal mirror over the oropharynx in
order to identify the vocal cords. The right hand then
holds the Labat needle and syringe and drips local
anesthetic (4 mL of 2% lidocaine) over the vocal
cords.

49. The most difficult part of Awake
intubation is – the decision to do it.
THANKS