Reply

摘要

We thank Dr. Stasiuk for his interest in our continuing medical education (CME) program and are grateful for the opportunity to reply. The objective of the CME program was to review recent advances in methods of oxygenation and ventilation. We absolutely accept that every effort should be made to maximize the chances of first attempt intubation success. As previously emphasized by other authors, factors contributing to this success using direct laryngoscopy (DL) include ensuring proper positioning and muscle relaxation; use of an appropriate blade; external laryngeal manipulation; head lift,, and the tracheal tube introducer (TTI) (e.g., Eschmann Tracheal Tube Introducer) or a fibreoptic stylet as adjuncts to laryngoscopy. As Dr. Stasiuk points out, difficult DL situations will continue to be encountered, even after applying optimal techniques, due to anatomic variations or pathologic changes of the upper airway.