Could someone explain the anatomical changes associated with turning a patient‘s head 22 degrees (left or right) yields unobstructed breathtaking compared to neutral (supine) positioning?
I have have noticed that when my patient obstructs during deep sedation, it may be relieved by a slight turn of the head. I have tried to conceptualize the anatomical change but am not confident that I am correct.
Interested in hearing your thoughts.
Thank you in advance.
Christopher
Torsional retraction of the tongue and soft palate? I’m sure anaesthesiologists might also be able to help...
30° body elevation and head extension significantly decreased upper airway collapsibility during midazolam sedation and established the relative potency of maneuvers that maintain upper airway patency.
During deep sedation, tongue falls backwards, causing obstruction at pharyngeal level. Turning the head laterally,causes it to fall on more on one side, leaving some space on other side to allow breathing. This maneuver is often used by anaesthesiologists during mask ventiation. Though it is less effective than jaw thrust, head tilt or triple maneuver. Too much twisting of neck can cause jugular compression and other spine related problems and should be avoided.
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