Articles: intubation.
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Fiberoptic-aided endotracheal intubation has been shown to be effective in difficult intubation secondary to anatomic abnormalities and traumatic conditions. A retrospective review of emergency airway management in an emergency department during a 30-month period found 35 patients who underwent fiberoptic-aided endotracheal intubation; 31 were treated for medical conditions, and four were trauma patients. Indications in the medical group included failed nasotracheal intubation (ten), anatomic abnormalities (six), and the initial airway maneuver attempted (15). ⋯ At our institution, the financial commitment has been approximately +17,000 during the past nine years. Repair or replacement of broken equipment appears to be necessary every two or three years. Immediate airway control is often difficult with fiberoptic-aided endotracheal intubation and should be used only in selected patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)