Supraglottic airway

Supraglottic airways

 

Learning points
  • Careful consideration of patient’s aspiration risk when opting for supraglottic airways as a first line device.
  • Methods for optimal placement of supraglottic devices should be developed.
Comments
In 1981 Archie Brain completed his prototype of the world’s first laryngeal mask airway (LMA) in London. Since then, anaesthetic practise has been revolutionised worldwide. Many improvements and subsequent ‘second generation’ LMAs have made their way onto the market. A new dual channel LMA, intended specifically for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures is studied in ASA 1 and ASA 2 patients. With hard lessons learned from NAP4 it is prudent to note that appropriate patient choice for the use of LMAs should be carefully considered. Development and teaching of techniques to ensure optimally placed LMAs is also important.
 

References

 

  1. Tobin S.P., Maloney D.G., Walker J.D., An algorithm for suboptimally placed supraglottic airway devices: the choice of videolaryngoscope British Journal of Anaesthesia Oct 2017 119(4): p. 843
  2. Sneyd J.R., O’Sullivan E.P., Modified supraglottic airway for gastroscopy: an advance in patient safety? British Journal of Anaesthesia Feb 2018 120 (2): p 209-211
  3. Terblanche et al., Efficacy of a new dual channel laryngeal mask airway, the LMA Gastro Airway, for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy: a prospective observational study. British Journal of Anaesthesia Feb 2018 120 (2): p 353-360