Modified nasopharyngeal airway for pressure support ventilation in airway management of a case of Robin sequence with bilateral temporomandibular joint ankylosis.
Abhyuday KumarBabli KumariAjeet KumarNeeraj KumarPublished in: BMJ case reports (2024)
The association of Robin sequence (RS) with temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis is not a common occurrence. Due to restricted mouth opening, difficult bag valve mask ventilation and difficult intubation, such cases are always challenging for anaesthesiologists.A male patient in early childhood with RS and bilateral TMJ ankylosis was scheduled for bilateral gap arthroplasty. Airway management was planned with fibreoptic intubation under sedation to preserve spontaneous ventilation. After sedating the patient, a nasopharyngeal airway modified by using an endotracheal tube connector was inserted in the left nostril and connected to the ventilator circuit with a 15 mm universal connector. Pressure support ventilation was given with continuous end-tidal CO 2 monitoring. Fibreoptic intubation was done through the right nostril with maintenance of spontaneous ventilation.Nasal pressure support ventilation assembly can be made with available equipment in the operation theatre. It can be a substitute for a high-flow nasal cannula in particular cases.