Anästhesie und klinische Forschung
Offener Zugang

Abstrakt

A Can’t Ventilate, Can’t Intubate Scenario in a Remote Location: A Case Report of a Rescue Approach

Daniela Pinho, Liliana Costa, Susana Sa, Fatima Cruz, Antonio Costa and Humberto S Machado

Background and objectives: The number of procedures in remote locations has dramatically increased, being an anaesthetic challenge. The most common complications are respiratory events often by over sedation. In remote locations, a can´t ventilate can’t intubate scenario is worrisome.

Case report: We present a patient scheduled for percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy under monitored anaesthesia care who represented a “can´t ventilate, can’t intubate” scenario in the Gastroenterology Department and a rescue approach used to maintain patient oxygenation. The authors were the emergency anaesthesia team in the emergency department. The patient recovered with no sequelae.

Conclusions: The case highlights the importance of planning difficult airway management, delineating alternative plans, and knowing in advance the equipment available. A careful evaluation of the airway remains a cornerstone in anesthesia, even providing monitored anesthesia care. The paper draws attention to aspects that could be improved in the approach of a similar case that could happen again in this clinical context.