What is an Extraglottic airway?

INTRODUCTION Extraglottic airway devices are used to establish an airway for oxygenation and ventilation without entering the trachea. They are important tools for airway management and are used frequently in the prehospital environment, emergency department, operating room, and other settings.

What is a supraglottic airway used for?

Supraglottic airways (SGAs) are a group of airway devices that can be inserted into the pharynx to allow ventilation, oxygenation, and administration of anesthetic gases, without the need for endotracheal intubation.

What type of airway is an LMA?

The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is a commonly used supraglottic airway. The LMA is an orally introduced supraglottic airway tube with a cuffed mask at one end that forms a low-pressure seal around the laryngeal inlet. LMA ventilation has several advantages over other methods.

What is the difference between supraglottic and Extraglottic?

Airway management devices that allow gas to enter and exit the airway via an airway tube, which sit above the glottis, are commonly referred to as “supraglottic airways.” However, because a number of device designs incorporate components that are inferior to, but remain outside the glottis, the term “extraglottic …

Is an LMA a supraglottic airway?

The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is a supraglottic airway device developed by British Anesthesiologist Dr. Archi Brain. It has been in use since 1988.

Can EMT use supraglottic airway?

Supraglottic airway placement is not currently in the 2019 National Scope of Practice Model at the EMT level. However, some states or, where permissible, EMS agencies, have placed this within the EMT scope.

Is LMA considered intubation?

The LMA can be used as a conduit for intubation, particularly when direct laryngoscopy is unsuccessful. An ETT can be passed directly through the LMA or ILMA. Intubation may also be assisted by a bougie or fiberoptic scope.

What is a LMA Combitube?

The Combitube is a twin lumen device designed for use in emergency situations and difficult airways. It can be inserted without the need for visualization into the oropharynx, and usually enters the esophagus.