When to Use Supraglottic Airway Devices?

Supraglottic airway devices (SADs) are used to keep the upper airway open to provide unobstructed ventilation. Early (first-generation) SADs rapidly replaced endotracheal intubation and face masks in > 40% of general anesthesia cases due to their versatility and ease of use.

Should you use a supraglottic airway?

More than 90% of patients for whom mask or tube ventilation is ineffective or unsuccessful are successfully ventilated with a supraglottic device. This makes supraglottic devices a good choice for patients with difficult airways. Nevertheless, these devices pose some risks, including poor ventilation and airway trauma.

When is an Igel used?

The i-gel^® is the innovative second generation supraglottic airway device from Intersurgical. The first major development since the laryngeal mask airway, i-gel has changed the face of airway management and is now widely used in anaesthesia and resuscitation across the globe.