Difficult Airway Algorithm
A decision-making framework published by the American Society of Anesthesiologists outlining stepwise strategies for managing unanticipated or anticipated difficult airways.
Full Definition
The ASA Difficult Airway Algorithm provides an evidence-based flowchart guiding clinicians through escalating interventions—from video laryngoscopy and supraglottic airways to awake intubation and surgical airway—when conventional intubation fails or is predicted to fail. In dental anesthesiology, familiarity with the algorithm is essential given the limited access to airway structures inherent in oral and maxillofacial procedures. Documentation in anesthesia records should indicate which pathway of the algorithm was followed when a difficult airway was encountered. Editors should capitalise 'Difficult Airway Algorithm' when citing the ASA document specifically.
Usage
Usage note: Capitalise when referring specifically to the ASA-published document; lowercase 'algorithm' when referring generically to any institutional airway management protocol.
In Context
- "Following two failed intubation attempts, the team activated the Difficult Airway Algorithm and successfully placed a laryngeal mask airway." — Critical incident report
- "The anesthesia department's policy references the ASA Difficult Airway Algorithm as the standard for managing unanticipated difficult airways." — Office-based anesthesia policy document