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Supraglottic Airway Devices

A NEXTGEN LEARNING SPACE DESIGNED TO ELEVATE YOUR AIRWAY PRACTICE

Introduction

start here

Welcome to the supraglottic airway learning space. Explore all this content below, then visit the integrated hands on training stations and our guided practice tools to complete your learning.

The Online Learning Space

Enhanced Digital Content

Use this learning space in two ways. As an online course, scroll down and enter the online learning space. Explore each section below, or use the navigation tool to go directly to the content you’re interested in. Then, use this enhanced digital content in one of our pop-up physical spaces for hands-on procedure training, skills challenges, and expert coaching.

Navigation

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

Rapid Review

DIFFICULT SUPRAGLOTTIC = RODS

Sometimes a supraglottic might be a bad choice or it may be difficult. For example the device is invasive compared to FMV and requires your patient to be unconscious. Here are some other predictors of difficulty.

close encounters

When might you want to use a SAD in an emergency, and when might you unexpectedly encounter one that has already been placed?

So Many choices

There are many supraglottic airway devices (SAD), so it’s good to be familiar with the various types. Let’s have fun with this rapid review of insertion techniques for some of the more common devices. Then you can get down to business and dive deeper into the full instruction videos, clinical pearls, and troubleshooting tips so you can feel comfortable with these important devices.

the igel

Easy to place and no inflation required

lma (the classic)

Easy to use, requires inflation. Found almost everywhere (you probably have one).

The King (LT that is)

Sorry we just can’t decide which one we like more, so here’s another version.

Often used in the pre-hospital setting. If you work in an emergency department you should recognize and know how to manage them.

Procedure 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.

The Physical Learning Space

Procedures, Skills, Coaching

integrated digital & Physical space

This online learning space has enhanced content designed to be part of an immersive, hands-on training lab. The interactive graphic posters create pop-up learning in the physical space for procedure training, skills challenges, expert coaching, simulations, and team training opportunities.

HANDS-ON training

Remember, if you’re in one of our pop-up learning spaces or a PAC Live event, find this icon and use the multimedia tools for hands-on guided practice.

  1. Look for this icon.
  2. Snap the QR code.
  3. Begin your hands-on practice.
  4. Get feedback on your skills.

Don’t forget to ask our faculty coaches for real-time expert feedback and earn points!

User Guide

Keep yourself on track and get credit for completion using this guide.

  1. Open the guide to a tab on your browser.
  2. Visit each poster & review the content.
  3. Complete any challenges to earn points.

Curated MedEd

Put a ring on it

Watch Dr Jose Torres – part of the PAC collaborative teach correct LMA placement technique on #Insta 👍

The Bottom Line


What’s Next

FIND ME

Congratulations! You’ve completed this section of the learning space. Collect all the available points before moving on to the next poster to explore all the interactive and hands-on learning opportunities. 


Online Only

If you can’t be with us in person, you can still use this enhanced digital content as an online course. Visit the digital home page of this learning space by using the link below. Otherwise, head to the next poster above to continue through the physical learning space.

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