Suction Assisted Laryngoscopy for Airway Decontamination
SALAD is an airway intubation technique utilized for patients who are actively regurgitating. It was pioneered by Dr. Jim DuCanto. Steps in the technique include:
-
Lead with suction catheter to remove debris.
-
Insert laryngoscope while catheter remains in pharynx.
-
Move suction catheter to left side, behind the laryngoscope blade and leave tip in the esophagus to continuously suction debris.
-
Intubate with endo-tracheal tube.
-
Inflate endo-tracheal tube balloon and remove laryngoscope.
-
Remove suction catheter.
Video of the technique performed by Dr. DuCanto:
Listen to an interview with Dr. Ducanto on EMCrit
More about Dr. DuCanto here: LinkedIn and Twitter