Abstract

Awake tracheal intubation is a critical airway management technique used in patients with anticipated difficult airways, airway pathology, or compromised respiratory function. Unlike conventional intubation under general anesthesia, ATI preserves spontaneous breathing, reducing the risk of hypoxia and airway collapse. This thesis explores the various techniques employed in ATI, with a focus on optimizing patient comfort, ensuring procedural success, and minimizing complications.

Key elements of ATI include adequate patient preparation, effective topicalization of the airway, and appropriate sedation strategies that balance patient cooperation with airway reflex suppression. Techniques such as fiberoptic bronchoscope-guided intubation and video laryngoscope-assisted intubation are discussed in terms of efficacy, safety, and operator preference. The role of high-flow nasal oxygenation, adjunct airway devices, and emerging technologies in ATI are also examined.

Through a review of current literature, clinical guidelines, and expert opinions, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of ATI techniques and their clinical applications. The findings highlight the importance of structured preparation, standardized protocols, and individualized patient approaches to enhance procedural success and patient safety.