Airway management in the critically ill patient.

Decisions regarding the application and care of airways in respiratory failure are important determinants of outcome in critically ill patients. Specialized procedures for institution of translaryngeal intubation in difficult circumstances, such as fiberoptic intubation, and provision of immediate surgical airway access, such as cricothyroidotomy, are requisite skills for the intensivist. The evolving application of standard techniques and advent of newer procedures for airway cannulation require extensive experience and cognitive skills in the management of tracheal intubation to enhance patient benefit and limit adverse effects from tracheal intubation.