The Pediatric Airway

Abstract

The practice of procedural sedation involves the use of medications that alter upper airway function and patency because of myoneural suppression of anatomic airway elements. It is the specific responsibility of the sedationist to ensure upper airway patency during conditions induced by pharmaceuticals in which the airway is almost certain to be threatened, if not totally obstructed. Soft tissue collapse during inspiration is modeled by the Starling resistor. Airway protective reflexes may be profoundly disturbed during deep sedation. The sedationist’s knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the upper airway and proficiency in clinical application of airway supportive principles are essential.