Surgical airway, rigid bronchoscopy, and transtracheal jet ventilation in the pediatric patient

Developmental differences in the anatomy of the airway dictate the management of the difficult airway. In infants and young children, conventional emergency airway techniques used in adults are sometimes difficult and inappropriate because of limited surface landmarks and a relatively small larynx and trachea. This article reviews pertinent airway anatomy and suggests alternative surgical techniques for securing an emergency airway in the pediatric patient.