Institutional Competence in Rigid Bronchoscopy for Oxygenation-Ventilation Rescue Is Vital Within the Difficult-Airway Continuum.

This review underscores the importance of rigid bronchoscopy (RB) as a lifesaving tool for airway obstruction, hemorrhage, and ventilation failure within the difficult-airway continuum. RB enables oxygenation, recanalization, and hemostasis while maintaining ventilation, complementing front-of-neck access and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation strategies. Success depends on institutional readiness, including equipment availability, simulation-based training, and multidisciplinary coordination. The article advocates embedding RB within airway algorithms and establishing standardized anesthetic protocols and training frameworks to ensure timely, team-based airway rescue and improved global safety in complex airway management.