ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes developments in imaging, anaesthesia and delivery techniques for neonates with airway obstruction. A potentially fatal airway obstruction in the fetus can be recognized at prenatal imaging, often initially identified at the routine 20-week ultrasound as part of the fetal anomaly screening programme. Ultrasound is the mainstay of prenatal imaging as it is deemed safe for the fetus and the mother with prudent use. There are several causes of congenital high airway obstruction syndrome (CHAOS); these include laryngeal web, laryngeal stenosis, laryngeal atresia, laryngeal cyst, tracheal stenosis and tracheal atresia. The Ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) procedure has become the mainstay in the management of prenatally diagnosed fetal airway obstruction. A successful interventional airway delivery service is dependent on careful planning and infrastructures, local guidelines and protocols, as well as a continuous audit cycle of outcomes.
