<unk>  is the subset of<unk><unk>  that involves<unk>  training, skill, and invasiveness. It encompasses various techniques performed to create an open or patent<unk>  – a clear path between a patient's lungs and the outside world. This is accomplished by clearing or preventing obstructions of<unk> s. Obstructions can be caused by many things, including the patient's own tongue or other anatomical components of the<unk> , foreign bodies, excessive amounts of blood and body fluids, or aspiration of food particles. Unlike basic<unk><unk>  such as head tilt/chin lift or jaw-thrust maneuver,<unk>  relies on the use of medical equipment and<unk>  training. Certain invasive<unk><unk>  techniques can be performed "blind" or with visualization of the glottis. Visualization of the glottis can be accomplished either directly by using a laryngoscope blade or by utilizing newer video technology options. In roughly increasing order of invasiveness are the use of supraglottic devices such as oropharyngeal (OPA), nasopharyngeal (NPA), and laryngeal mask<unk> s (LMA). Laryngeal mask<unk> s can even be used to deliver general anesthesia. These are followed by infraglottic techniques, such as tracheal intubation and finally surgical techniques.<unk>  is a key component in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, anaesthesia, emergency medicine, and intensive care medicine. The A in the ABC initialism mnemonic for dealing with critically ill patients stands for<unk><unk> . Many<unk> s are straightforward to manage. However, some can be challenging. Such difficulties can be predicted to some extent; a recent Cochrane systematic review examines the sensitivity and specificity of the various bedside tests commonly used to predict difficulty in<unk><unk> .
Advanced airway management
Basic airway management
Surgical airway management
Artificial ventilation
Blind insertion airway device
Negative pressure ventilator
Respiratory gas humidification
Airway pressure release ventilation