Clinical Sections

Perioperative and Adult Anesthesia

ENT Anesthesia

The otolaryngologic section of anesthesia has engendered an excellent relationship with the surgeons of this specialty. The importance of this relationship has translated into greater teaching and research opportunities for both residents and visiting clinicians. Fiberoptic aided intubations, retrograde wire intubations, Intubating Laryngeal Mask use, and advanced use of the Laryngeal Mask are used freely in an environment of patience and camaraderie.

Preoperative endoscopic exam of patients with head and neck cancer allows for an unique and full evaluation of the airway. This examination often affects the choice of airway management. Fiberoptic examination is often followed by retrograde wire intubation or another technique. Current research in the section involves evaluation of new and advanced models of the Laryngeal Mask Airway, use of the Laryngeal Mask Airway in otolaryngologic surgery, and airway management decision outcomes after preoperative endoscopic exam of the airway.

The section has also developed a series of unique continuing medical education airway management courses titled "Airway on Demand." These courses focus on high quality teaching -- made convenient to the student. The basic course is a traditional airway management workshop, which is given when and where it is desired by a group of interested attendees, often on short notice. Course 2 is an advanced airway laboratory, given at one of seven facilities in the United States, Mexico, or Canada. Here, a small group is taken through minimally invasive airway management techniques in live, anesthetized animals. The third course, the tutorial, allows a single clinician from anywhere in the United States to come to Yale-New Haven Hospital, and learn non-invasive advance techniques in patients in the operating room.