Supraglottic Airway Devices

Abstract

The anesthetist’s most important intervention for his or her patient is to secure and maintain a patent airway. The anaesthetist uses this airway to deliver therapeutic oxygen and maintain ventilation. This chapter will go over various devices used above the glottic opening to supply oxygen and other inhalational gases/agents while also maintaining airway patency. Supraglottic airway devices are simple to use and have significantly altered anesthesiology practise. Supraglottic airways have also changed the factors to consider when dealing with unusual airway situations. As an example, consider the prone position raises additional concerns about maintaining the supraglottic airway, but these devices are simple to insert. Supraglottic airway devices have a place in the management of difficult airways. Any patient with a known or suspected difficult airway necessitates the utmost care, planning, and backup planning, as well as equipment and personnel readily available in the event of an airway emergency. Supraglottic devices must be available as part of this planning. Furthermore, the supraglottic airway is a first-line optionwhen unidentified airway problems are encountered Supraglottic devices for oxygen delivery and airway maintenance are one example of how innovation and invention are rapidly changing practises in anesthesiology. As a result, while this chapter serves as a starting point, the readers are encouraged to consult the primary literature for the most recent developments in practise (Brain, Eur J Anaesthesiol Suppl. 1991;4:5–17).