Summary of "A Decision Tree Approach to Airway Management Pathways in the 2022 Difficult Airway Algorithm of the American Society of Anesthesiologists"

In this article, the authors present enhanced material for using the ASA’s Practice Guidelines for the Management of the Difficult Airway. Specifically, they provide a rational approach to help the anesthesia professional decide which of the two pathways (awake airway management or airway management with induction of general anesthesia) to pursue when faced with a possible difficult airway situation. Awake intubation may be the preferred choice when difficulty with mask or supraglottic ventilation is suspected, there is a marked increase in the risk of aspiration, or when the patient is at risk for the rapid onset of hypoxia. The authors also provide an excellent discussion of the risks and benefits of awake intubation.