Airwayve

Airwayve Podcast
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Airwayve is a Canadian anesthesia podcast for medical students led by medical students (Manuela Morgan, Ashlyn Chou and Josephine Ding) from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

  1. 2d ago

    S7E4 Massive Hemorrhage Protocol: Part II

    In this episode, we continue our two-part series on perioperative bleeding and blood transfusion, diving into the practical management of massive hemorrhage protocol (MHP). If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, we recommend starting there to review the foundational concepts behind bleeding and transfusion. We start by discussing when to activate an MHP and what the initial response looks like, from establishing large-bore IV access and setting up rapid infusers to keeping patients warm and coordinating the team. We then break down balanced resuscitation, including blood product ratios, Ontario’s MHP, and how to use lab results to guide ongoing transfusion. We also cover important parameters to monitor during massive hemorrhage, including fibrinogen, ionized calcium, lactate and hemoglobin. From there, we discuss adjuncts like tranexamic acid (TXA) and anticoagulation reversal, why definitive hemorrhage control remains the priority, and how to recognize when it’s time to stop an MHP. To wrap things up, we review important transfusion complications, including acute hemolytic transfusion reactions, TRALI and TACO, with a clinical question to test your knowledge. Whether you're preparing for your anesthesia rotation or want to better understand how massive hemorrhage is managed in real time, this episode walks through the key practical considerations and complications to keep in mind. Credits Writer: Manuela MorganResident Editor: Dr. Muizz HussainStaff Reviewer: Dr. Sebastian VuongSupport the show

  2. Sep 30

    S7E3 Massive Hemorrhage Protocol: Part I

    In this episode, join Manuela and Ashlyn as they dive into perioperative bleeding and blood transfusion, laying the foundation for our two-part series on massive hemorrhage protocol (MHP). We start with a review of hemostasis, including primary and secondary hemostasis, fibrinolysis and the role of tranexamic acid (TXA). From there, we get into the practical side of perioperative bleeding, including how to assess bleeding risk, interpret CBC, PT/INR and aPTT, and understand newer tools like TEG and ROTEM. We also break down blood typing, group and screen, crossmatching and the different blood products available in the OR, including red blood cells, plasma, platelets and fibrinogen concentrate. We then work through the principles of fluid resuscitation and blood transfusion before discussing hemorrhagic shock, the lethal triad and the physiologic consequences of major blood loss. To wrap things up, we work through a couple of clinical questions to put it all together. Whether you're preparing for your anesthesia rotation or just want to build a solid foundation for understanding massive hemorrhage, this episode covers the key concepts you need to know before diving into MHP in Part 2. Credits – Writer: Manuela Morgan – Resident Reviewer: Dr. Muizz Hussain – Staff Reviewer: Dr. Sebastian Vuong Support the show

  3. Aug 31

    S7E2 Malignant Hyperthermia

    In this episode, Josephine and Manuela dive into malignant hyperthermia (MH), one of the most serious anesthetic emergencies. From calcium release and skeletal muscle physiology to recognizing the early signs of an MH crisis, we break down the pathophysiology, triggers and key principles of acute management. We also discuss how to approach patients with known or suspected MH before surgery, including preparing the anesthesia machine, avoiding triggering agents and developing a safe anesthetic plan. To wrap things up, we work through a clinical case to put it all together. Whether you're preparing for your anesthesia rotation or just want to know what to do when the temperature starts rising, this episode covers the essentials you need to know about MH. Credits – Writer: Dr. Alexander Xiang  – Student Editor: Manuela Morgan – Resident Editor: Dr. Akashdeep Grewal – Staff Editor: Dr. Mary Elbrakey Support the show

  4. Jul 8

    S5E16 Coronary Artery Disease

    In this episode, Josephine and Manuela explore the anesthetic considerations for patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing non-cardiac surgery. From coronary physiology and myocardial oxygen supply-demand balance to acute coronary syndromes, perioperative risk assessment and intraoperative management, they break down the key concepts every medical student should know. Whether you’re preparing for your anesthesia rotation or looking for a practical framework for managing patients with CAD in the perioperative setting, this episode is packed with clinically relevant pearls and a case that brings everything together. Episode Resources Canadian Cardiovascular Society Guidelines on Perioperative Cardiac Risk Assessment and Management for Patients Who Undergo Noncardiac Surgery 2024 AHA/ACC/ACS/ASNC/HRS/SCA/SCCT/SCMR/SVM Guideline for Perioperative Cardiovascular Management for Noncardiac Surgery: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines American College of Surgeons NSQIP calculator Regional anesthesia in the patient receiving antithrombotic or thrombolytic therapy: American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine Evidence-Based Guidelines Credits – Writer: Josephine Ding – Editors: Manuela Morgan – Resident Editor: Dr. Bradley Murphy and Dr. Sanjum Hunjan – Staff Reviewer: Dr. Joshua Peachey Support the show

  5. May 18

    S5E15 Thyroid Disease

    In this episode, Jessica and Alex explore anesthetic considerations for patients with thyroid disease and those undergoing thyroidectomy. Starting with a review of thyroid physiology, they break down how hypo- and hyperthyroidism affect major organ systems and why these changes matter in the perioperative setting. The discussion covers pre-operative optimization, airway assessment, intraoperative management, and important postoperative complications including neck hematoma, recurrent laryngeal nerve injury, hypocalcemia, thyroid storm, and myxedema coma. Through a clinical case, the team ties together key concepts and practical approaches to managing thyroid disease safely in the OR. Whether you’re preparing for clerkship, reviewing endocrine physiology, or looking for a concise overview of thyroid anesthesia, this episode has you covered. Credits Writer: Jessica Xiong Editors: Alexander Xiang, Jenny Xinye Hu Resident Editor: Alexis Baker Staff Reviewer: Dr. Andrew Syrett  Support the show

  6. Mar 30

    S6E9 Matching into Anesthesia: Post-CaRMS Reflections with Incoming PGY1s

    In this episode, Alex and Josephine sit down with their colleagues Iliya and Kaitlyn, who both matched to anesthesia at McMaster University, and Tariq, who matched to anesthesia at the University of Alberta, to reflect on their journeys to residency. From choosing electives to preparing for interviews, they share practical insights and honest reflections on the CaRMS process, including parallel planning and personal growth along the way. Whether you’re gearing up for CaRMS or just curious about the path to anesthesia, this episode is full of thoughtful advice you won’t want to miss. Disclaimer: The advice shared in this episode is based solely on personal experiences as medical students navigating CaRMS. We are not affiliated with, nor do we represent, the McMaster University residency admissions committee or any other residency program. Support the show

  7. Jan 31

    S7E1 Hypoxia and Hypoxemia

    In this Airwayve episode, we kick off our anesthetic emergencies season with a practical look at hypoxemia and hypoxia. We review the oxygen cascade, the A–a gradient, and how oxygen is transported in blood, then clarify the difference between hypoxemia and tissue hypoxia through the lens of oxygen delivery and consumption. We break down the five major causes of hypoxemia and share a stepwise approach to troubleshooting intraoperative desaturation, from patient assessment to circuit and monitor checks. A clinical case of a patient with COPD and obesity ties everything together, highlighting how physiology guides real time anesthetic management. Credits Writer: Iliya Khakban Editors: Alexander Xiang Resident Editor: Kesikan Jayaraj Staff Reviewer: Dr. Muhammad Imran Khan Support the show

  8. 11/30/2025

    S5E14 Introduction to Ventilation Settings

    Don’t hold your breath for this one. In this month’s episode, we take a deep dive into ventilation basics and walk through how normal respiratory physiology compares to positive-pressure ventilation in the OR. We break down core settings like FiO₂, tidal volume, respiratory rate, I:E ratio, and PEEP, then explore common ventilation modes and when you might choose each one. To round things out, we apply it all to a real case and talk through how to pick safe and sensible settings for a patient with COPD. This episode is packed with practical tips to help you feel more comfortable at the ventilator during your next anesthesia rotation. Credits Writer: Irene Zhao Editors: Alexander Xiang Resident Editor: Puru Panchal Staff Reviewer: Dr. Overington Support the show

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About

Airwayve is a Canadian anesthesia podcast for medical students led by medical students (Manuela Morgan, Ashlyn Chou and Josephine Ding) from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada.

Information

  • Creator
    Airwayve Podcast
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    57
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Airwayve Podcast
  • Show Website
    Airwayve