Summary

 

 

In 1978, Andranik Ovassapian initiated a structured training program (based on sound educational principles) for teaching of anesthesia residents in flexible bronchoscopy-assisted (FBA) tracheal intubation and airway evaluation; the program first provided lectures, instruction, and practice on bronchoscopy teaching and airway models before performance on patients. In order to expand the number of patients available and the oportunities for training in clinical situations, he later replaced initial FBA nasotracheal intubation in awake patients under topical anesthesia and conscious sedation by FBA orotracheal intubation in patients under general anesthesia. The steps and the objectives of the entire training program (including placement and positioning of double-lumen bronchial tubes and bronchial blockers, tracheal tube exchange, and airway evaluation) are described in detail. In 1984, Ovassapian organized his first hands-on workshop (offering lectures, instruction, and practice of FBA tracheal intubation on models) for training of practising anesthetists from other departments and dissemination of endoscopic skills into their clinical practice.

 

 

Introduction