NextGen Learning To Elevate Your Airway Practice
| Rapid Review | Indications | Rapid Placement |
| Procedure Videos | Guided Practice | Earn Points |
| Curated MedEd | Bottom Line | What’s Next |
Mastering the Supraglottic Airway
A Critical Backup for Airway Management
Welcome to the supraglottic airway learning space! Supraglottic Airway Devices (SADs) are a game-changer in emergency airway management and one of your three upper airway lifelines in the Vortex Approach. Originally designed for routine use in the operating room, these devices have become essential for rescuing failed airways in high-stakes situations.
Why? Because they’re fast, easy to insert, and highly effective at oxygenating patients when bag-mask ventilation is difficult, and intubation isn’t an option. When time is running out, oxygen levels are dropping, and stress is through the roof, a well-placed supraglottic airway can be the difference between life and death.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t just think of SADs as a backup—think of them as a deliberate strategy in your airway management plan. The more familiar you are with their placement and function, the more confidently you can deploy them when seconds count.
Indications
When might you want to use a SAD in an emergency, and when might you unexpectedly encounter one that has already been placed?
Contraindications
DIFFICULT SUPRAGLOTTIC = RODS
Sometimes, a supraglottic procedure might be a bad choice or difficult. For example, the device is invasive compared to FMV and requires your patient to be unconscious. Here are some other predictors of difficulty.
Basic Technique
The classic supraglottic airway device is the Laryngeal Mask Airway. It comprises an airway tube that connects to an elliptical mask with a cuff that can be inserted into the mouth until it sits above the glottis. It is then inflated to create an airtight seal, allowing gas exchange. This video is an excellent demonstration of the device and how to place it.
Rapid Review
So Many choices
There are many supraglottic airway devices (SAD), so it’s good to be familiar with the various types. Let’s enjoy this rapid review of insertion techniques for more common devices. Then, you can get down to business and dive deeper into the full instruction videos, clinical pearls, and troubleshooting tips to feel comfortable with these critical devices.
The LMA
The iGel
Have some fun with these rapid reviews for two of the most common supraglottic airway devices and how to place them. The laryngeal mask airway and the igel.
King LT
Often used in the pre-hospital setting. If you work in an emergency department you should recognize and know how to manage them. (We had so much fun making this one we did it twice).😂
Device Specific Videos
Here are some excellent procedure videos on three common supraglottic airway devices. Take some time to review them before heading over to the hands-on guided practice station.
IGel placement
Newer devices like the iGel require no inflation which means you can ditch looking for that syringe. Easy to place they can be placed by most clinicians in an emergency with less training required compared to laryngoscopy or even face mask ventilation.
Classic LMA (requires inflating a cuff/mask)
The classic supraglottic airway device the laryngeal mask airway (LMA). They are everywhere and frequently found in difficult airway carts. Check to see if your institution stocks them and what kind they are.
King LT (often used in prehospital setting)
Not seen very often in the hospital setting they are frequently used in the prehospital environment. Which means that if you work in an emergency department you will have to know how to manage them.
This poster links to hands-on learning experiences in our immersive, interactive space. If you visit in person, be sure to stop by the corresponding station to practice your skills before heading over to one of our expert coaches for feedback.
Curated MedEd
Put a ring on it
Check out Dr Jose Torres teach correct LMA placement technique on #Insta 👍
Summary
What’s Next
Find Or Click Me
Nice work—you’re through this section! To keep going, scan the QR code on the physical poster at the next station in our pop-up training space to access the next set of digital content. Prefer to stay online? Just click the poster image here to continue your journey.
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