How would you manage a patient in acute respiratory distress ... from an obstructing oral mass ... with no mouth opening... and such distorted anatomy that ENT doesn't think an emergent trach is possible?  Join Dr Martin Ma in a case-based discussion involving the decision points, and ample pitfalls, of managing an out-of-OR difficult airway, a situation that is associated with significant morbidity.  

After participating in this PBLD, participants will be able to: 

1. Describe the risks and benefits of transferring a precarious airway to the OR for management. 
2. List interventions which may improve oxygenation.
3. Recognize the potential effects of hypercapnia. 
4. ​​Discuss options for securing the airway, and the limitations of each. ​

Facilitator: Dr Martin Ma
Anesthesiologist, Toronto General Hospital

Dr. Martin Ma completed his residency at Western University, and subsequently completed a cardio-thoracic fellowship at Toronto General Hospital. He has been a staff member at Toronto General Hospital since 2008 and he is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine at the University of Toronto. His clinical interests are cardiovascular anesthesia, perioperative patient management, and thoracic anesthesia.