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The Supraglottic Airway

An Oxygenation Device That Restores Options

Under-Appreciated DeviceThe LMAThe King Airway
The iGelHow To Place An SGAOptimization of an SGA

Indications

A supraglottic airway device is used when you need a more reliable oxygenation method than face-mask ventilation, but you don’t require (or cannot achieve) endotracheal intubation.

Common indications:

  • Primary airway in elective anesthesia
  • Rescue airway during difficult mask ventilation
  • Rescue after failed intubation
  • Bridge to definitive airway
  • Cardiac arrest or resuscitation settings
  • Situations requiring hands-free ventilation

Clinical goal: rapidly restore or maintain effective oxygenation and ventilation while minimizing interruption.

Contraindications

Remember! A supraglottic airway CANNOT be used in an awake patient with an intact gag reflex!

Absolute (context dependent)

  • Inability to open the mouth sufficiently
  • Complete upper airway obstruction at or below the glottis

Relative

  • High aspiration risk (full stomach, active vomiting, severe GERD)
  • Severe obesity with high airway pressures anticipated
  • Known or suspected supraglottic pathology
  • Severe pulmonary pathology requiring high peak inspiratory pressures

Here’s a good idea 💡When you start your intern year take a peek in the airway carts at your institution and familiarize yourself with the device(s) they stock.

Jonathan St George MD
A dark, moody scene with a person standing on a dock looking at a burning ship in the background. A small boat with emergency supplies is in the foreground, and a speech bubble states, 'That makes me SAD!'
An Under-Appreciated REscue Device
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An infographic detailing the Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA), featuring its components, usage, and size guide for different patient weights.
The Laryngeal Mask Airway
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Infographic detailing the King Airway, a supraglottic airway device introduced in 1998, highlighting its design, components, and size chart for various patient criteria.
The King Airway
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Illustration of the iGel, a supraglottic airway device, showing its components and size chart, including labels for the vent connector, gastric ports, and stabilizer.
The iGel
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Illustration showing the placement of a supraglottic airway device with annotated steps and directional arrows.
How To Place A Supraglottic
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An educational infographic titled 'Optimization Essentials of Supraglottic Airway Placement,' featuring various strategies for manipulating the airway, including head-tilt and chin-lift techniques, suction methods, and adjuncts for better insertion.
Optimization of Supraglottic Airway
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