A review of the use of supraglottic airways in neonates for use during interhospital transfer

Abstract

A secure and patent airway is a prerequisite to safe interhospital transfer and this has traditionally been via endotracheal tubes. Neonatal intubation success rates are falling as there is declining opportunities amongst paediatric junior doctors and consultants, therefore being able to successfully intubate an infant before or during a transfer, especially if they have an airway anomaly, may be very challenging. The use of supraglottic airways is increasingly popular in neonatology as an alternative to facemask ventilation or endotracheal intubation. This review considers the role of supraglottic airway devices during the stabilisation and transfer of neonates.