Difficult mask ventilation: An objective criterion

Abstract

Effective mask ventilation plays a critical role in safe management of airway before intubation or after failed intubation. Mask ventilation (MV) is the primary technique of ventilation before tracheal intubation or insertion of any airway device. Its most unique role however, is as a rescue technique for ventilation should tracheal intubation fail or prove difficult. The ability to establish adequate MV has, therefore, become a major branch point in any difficult airway algorithm. Despite it being an important skill, MV has received little attention in the extensive body of literature and book chapters addressing airway management when compared to laryngoscopy and intubation. At present, there is no standard definition for Difficult Mask Ventilation (DMV) that is based on precise and objective criterion. The authors propose a simple objective criterion to categorize difficult mask ventilation based on the best monitoring parameters.