Manejo avanzado de la vía aérea en pacientes con sospecha o diagnóstico de COVID-19

In March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a pandemic alert for infection with coronavirus 2 of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV-2). This virus produces clinical symptoms that range from mild respiratory symptoms to pneumonia with severity criteria. The disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 has been called coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19). The SARS-CoV-2 has a high rate of contagion among humans, which means that the management of patients with COVID-19 implies a high risk of contagion for health personnel in the hospital setting. Therefore, it is important to have standardized management protocols that minimize the risk of contagion, especially during the performance of procedures that generate aerosols, which are considered the highest risk. Advanced airway management is included in this category of procedures. This document is not intended to replace current guidelines on the standardized control and management of infectious diseases. Its objective is to provide recommendations for the advanced management of the airway in this group of patients, which allow performing a procedure safely for the patient, promoting self-care of health personnel and preventing the spread of the virus in the hospital environment.