Advances of airway management-related trauma in neonates and infants

This article reviews the potential iatrogenic injuries that can occur during airway management in neonates and infants, along with preventive measures. Given the significant anatomical differences between the airways of neonates/infants and adults, many existing airway management devices are adaptations of adult designs, scaled down for pediatric use. This design mismatch may contribute to airway injuries during neonatal and infant airway management. The article thoroughly examines the anatomical features of neonatal and infant airways, the impact of various risk factors (such as prematurity and congenital conditions) on airway injury, analyzes the mechanisms and grading standards of these injuries, and outlines specific strategies to prevent iatrogenic injuries associated with airway management in this population.