Monitoring Techniques for Upper Airway Obstruction in Perioperative and Critical Care Medicine

Abstract

Upper airway obstruction often occurs in patients receiving sedatives, opioids and muscle relaxant and can cause fatal respiratory complications. Since currently available respiratory monitors are unable to accurately diagnose upper airway obstruction, there is an urgent need to develop accurate techniques for monitoring upper airway obstruction. Nasal pressure measurement, which is routinely performed to detect upper airway obstruction in sleep medicine, can effectively monitor respiration and upper airway obstruction in perioperative and critical care medicine as well.