Mask Ventilation

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Mask Ventilation Basics - Seal the Deal

  • Purpose: Provide temporary oxygenation & ventilation non-invasively; bridge to advanced airway.
  • Indications: Apnea, respiratory insufficiency, pre-oxygenation before intubation, procedural sedation.
  • Technique - The Seal:
    • Mask Size: Covers mouth & nose; bridge of nose to just above chin (avoiding eye compression).
    • Grip (📌 E-C Clamp):
      • 'C'-shape: Thumb & index finger press mask firmly onto face.
      • 'E'-shape: Remaining 3 fingers lift mandible (jaw thrust), extending atlanto-occipital joint.
    • Two-person technique often superior, especially for difficult seals (e.g., beards, edentulous).
  • Goals: Visible chest rise, $SpO_2$ > 90%, presence of end-tidal $CO_2$ (ETCO2).
  • Common Problems: Inadequate seal (air leak), airway obstruction (tongue, soft tissues), insufficient tidal volume.

Mask ventilation: E-C clamp technique

⭐ Inability to maintain oxygen saturation > 90% using a face mask or failure to prevent/reverse signs of inadequate ventilation despite optimal attempts constitutes failed mask ventilation (a component of a difficult airway).

Gear Up - Tools of Trade

  • Face Masks:
    • Transparent, anatomical; sizes 0-6. Cushioned rim.
    • Fit: Nasal bridge to mentum; airtight seal.
    • Connector: 22mm female. Mask Ventilation Steps: Position, Seal, and Ventilation
  • Oropharyngeal Airways (OPA):
    • Types: Guedel, Berman. Color-coded.
    • Action: Lifts tongue off posterior pharynx.
    • Size: Mouth corner to mandible angle.
    • 📌 Guedel: Good airway.
  • Nasopharyngeal Airways (NPA):
    • Use: Conscious pt; OPA difficult/trismus.
    • Size: Nares to tragus. Lubricate. Bevel to septum.
    • ⚠️ Avoid: Basal skull fracture, coagulopathy.
  • Self-Inflating Bag (Ambu):
    • Positive pressure ventilation. Non-rebreathing valve.
    • FiO2: ~21% (air); up to 100% (O2 + reservoir).

⭐ OPA sizing: Critical. Too large: obstructs larynx/trauma. Too small: ineffective.

Mastering the Mask - Grip & Tricks

  • Goal: Effective seal & patent airway for BMV.
  • Grips:
    • One-Hand (C-E): Thumb/index ('C') on mask; 3 fingers ('E') lift jaw.

    • Two-Hand (V-E/Thenar Eminence): Both hands on mask, strong jaw thrust. Needs assistant. Best for DMV.

  • Key Maneuvers & Adjuncts:
    • Head-tilt/chin-lift (if no C-spine injury).
    • Jaw thrust: Lifts tongue, opens airway.

      ⭐ Jaw thrust is crucial to relieve upper airway obstruction during mask ventilation.

    • OPA/NPA airways: Bypass soft tissue obstruction.
  • Troubleshooting & Improving Ventilation:
    • Reposition. Optimize jaw thrust.
    • Use two-person technique.
    • Avoid high pressure (gastric insufflation > 20 cm H₂O).
  • DMV Predictors (📌 MOANS):
    • Mask Seal (beard, NGT, anomaly)
    • Obesity (BMI > 30)/Obstruction (OSA)
    • Age (> 55 yrs)
    • No Teeth (edentulous)
    • Stiff Lungs (asthma)/Sleep Apnea

DMV SOS - Spotting Trouble

Difficult Mask Ventilation (DMV) is inadequate alveolar oxygenation using a face mask. Early identification of risk factors is crucial.

📌 BONES Mnemonic for DMV Predictors:

  • Beard: Impedes mask seal.
  • Obesity: BMI > 30 kg/m².
  • No teeth (Edentulous): Poor mask fit.
  • Elderly: Age > 55 years (loss of tissue elasticity).
  • Snoring/OSA/Stiff Lungs: Indicates potential obstruction or ↑ resistance.

If DMV is suspected or encountered:

⭐ The inability to maintain SpO₂ > 92% with 100% O₂ and optimal technique defines DMV.

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • C-E grip is crucial for an effective mask seal.
  • Use MOANS mnemonic to predict Difficult Mask Ventilation (DMV).
  • Two-person mask ventilation often overcomes DMV challenges.
  • OPA/NPA adjuncts help maintain airway patency during mask ventilation.
  • Ramping position optimizes airway alignment in obese patients.
  • Limit peak inspiratory pressures to <20 cmH2O to prevent gastric insufflation.
  • Thorough pre-oxygenation (denitrogenation) is vital before mask ventilation.

Practice Questions: Mask Ventilation

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Highest concentration of oxygen is delivered through?

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Flashcards: Mask Ventilation

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Preoxygenation with tidal volume breathing of _____ mins is required before tracheal intubation

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Preoxygenation with tidal volume breathing of _____ mins is required before tracheal intubation

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