Airway management in the outpatient setting: new devices and techniques

Abstract

There are an ever-increasing number of supraglottic airway devices available on the market, many being suitable for ambulatory surgery and the specific demands it creates. These include constraints of time, high turnover and the need for early and effective discharge. This article hopes to highlight the potential benefits of the current devices available. Laryngeal masks are still undoubtedly the most popular supraglottic devices available but there are an increasing number of other airways on offer. Advantages of these include higher seal pressures, ease of insertion and the ability to drain gastric fluids. Some of the unique advantages offered by certain devices lend themselves well to anaesthesia in ambulatory surgery. The laryngeal mask airway has a proven track record but newer airway devices are becoming more popular and may offer advantages. Further research is needed in this fast-moving field to assess these benefits, especially in specific cohorts of patients (such as the obese), who are appearing with increasing regularity on outpatient surgery lists.