Canadian journal of anaesthesia = Journal canadien d'anesthésie
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To describe the presentation and management of complete upper airway obstruction with life threatening arterial oxygen desaturation that occurred during attempted awake fibreoptic intubation in two patients presenting with unstable C-spine injury. ⋯ This case report suggest that prior to awake fibreoptic intubation, oxygenation, adequate topicalization with testing to verify the lack of pharyngeal and laryngeal responses and careful assessment of sedation levels in the operating room are prudent for a safe endoscopic intubation.