Fibreoptic Intubation

Last modified: 14 September 2023, 11:07:34 AM AEST
Gems1 / 5
  • only useful for supraglottic obstruction
  • glottic / subglottic obstruction will need other solutions
    • eg. tracheostomy
  • orientation
    • use trachealis muscle as guide for posterior wall of trachea
  • FOI is like a controllable bougie
    • great for double setup with video laryngoscope
  • FOI has 3 key elements, as with all AW procedures
    • Oxygenation = prevent hypoxia, maximise time for procedure
    • Topicalisation = LA technique
    • Anaesthesia = degree of sedation
    • Technique = using the FOB
Equipment2 / 5
  • Karl Storz Video Scope 5.5 mm x 65 mm scope
  • Fastrach ETT 7 mm ID
  • load FOB with ETT and epidural catheter
Position3 / 5
  • stand in front of the patient
    • this is because this is where you will stand for a patient in extremis
      • ie. they will be sitting upright, in the tripod position, and you will not be able to stand behind and intubate
Topicalisation4 / 5
  • epidural catheter
    • feed through FOB
  • use IN port of FOB
    • 15 L/min FGF + syringe through port (attach using 3-way tap)
Technique5 / 5
  • HFNP + spray through nostrils (atomises down nasopharynx to glottis)

  • Grab tongue with gauze

  • Advance FOB to above cords

  • spray with epidural catheter

  • advance epidural catheter through cords + spray again

  • Intubate trachea with FOB

  • check depth of carina

  • ETT 2-3 cm above carina

  • Technique

    • Keep it simple
    • Unless there are CIN, nasal AFOI
    • Test that ETT fits over FOB
    • NPA + LA gel > then size up with a NPA cut with longitudinal slit
    • Advance FOB
    • Spray cords and WAIT for 1 minute
    • Intubate and go to carina so it doesn't flick out