1994 American Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting (exhibit S-44)
and the
1996 Society for Computers in Anesthesiology Meeting in New Orleans.
This interactive, hypermedia computer program is designed to present the ASA difficult airway algorithm (Benumof, J.L.: Management of the difficult adult airway. Anesthesiology 75: 1087-1110, 1991) in an entertaining, yet supremely educational new format. The first part of the program takes the user sequentially through the algorithm, with extensive discussion of each step. The second section breaks the algorithm down into 11 discrete pathways, or branches, in order to facilitate rapid recognition of clinical scenarios. Finally, the simulator "puts it all together" by presenting the user with complex, real-life scenarios requiring prompt airway intervention skills. Success is measured, not by an arbitrary scoring system, but by patient outcome, as indicated by real-time pulse oximetry simulation. After the smoke has cleared and the airway has been secured, the program enables the user to review his or her actions and compare them with the ASA algorithm standard. Since real-life airway disasters are rare, and long-term learning requires repetition, the program allows one to review each individual airway scenario as many times as necessary to obtain mastery of the educational objective. The authors hope that the routine use of this training aid will expedite the rapid acquisiton of airway decision-making skills among anesthesiologists, nurse anesthetists, and other care providers who seek to review the current standard of care for management of the difficult adult airway.
AlgoSim®, The Difficult Airway Algorithm Tutorial/Simulator, was written by :
Robert C. Jones, M.D., Major, Medical Corps, USAF (surak1@ix.netcom.com),
and Michael Goldstoff, M.D.
Note: In its current incarnation, this program may run too fast on extremely speedy PowerMacs-- your mileage may vary.
After introducing you to the slightly-reformatted airway flowchart... 
...the program takes you step-by-step through the algorithm.
The tutorial then guides you through the 11 clinically-discrete algorithm branches.
The Simulator attempts to galvanize the learning process...
...by placing you in randomized harrowing clinical scenarios.
An airway consult is always available...but the clock keeps ticking!
At the end of the scenario, you are able to review your choices.When you *really* want your difficult airway patient to have a regional anesthetic...
When you think you can mask the patient if you just try harder...
How the simulator will respond on your third attempt at direct laryngoscopy without an airway.
A troubling sound you will hear more often than you'd like...but which you can turn off easily.
The wonderful sound of a transtracheal jet ventilator working.
In the interest of furthering excellence in anesthesia education and practice, AlgoSim® is being distributed as freeware courtesy of the Anesthesiology Department, Wilford Hall Medical Center (59th Med. Wing), United States Air Force, where it was developed. Please read our short and entertaining disclaimer before downloading AlgoSim®.
surak1@ix.netcom.com or gsheplo@indyvax.iupui.edu.