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Tough call
First some observations:
1 - Not a typical laryngoscope view. Looks more like what one would see with a bronchoscope in the OR. And . . . it's upside down.
2 - Is this a pediatric AW? The narrowest part of a child's AW is below the cords, just like the picture. If that is indeed macaroni, look at its size in relation to the glottic opening. The opening is not much bigger than the macaroni.
Well, just some observations. Now to the scenario of the adult.
- Unresponsive, but struggling to breath
- Cyanotic
- Foreign body visible with laryngoscope
My initial reaction would be grab the McGills and promptly remove . . . if possible! If it is well cooked it may come out in pieces, or just get pushed further down. I would not spend a lot of time with the forceps if unsuccessful. This tissue is very friable. The scenario could easily turn into cyanotic, unresponsive patient with FB obscured by blood.
No luck with the forceps? Intubate, push the obstruction into the right main stem and ventilate one lung. Bring an alive patient to the ED and let the ENT doc bronch the patient in the OR.
Cric? You're trying to open an AW right at the FB. It may very well be that once the AW is surgically opened you could push the FB cephalid and open an AW below. Then, again . . . maybe not. It's a small opening and hard to visualize. If you're successful you'll look like a hero.
Tough call . . .
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