High Pressure Ventilation Injuries from Supraglottic Airway Devices

Abstract

Supraglottic airways (SGAs) can be life-saving devices allowing for oxygenation and ventilation in patients who cannot be intubated. However, these devices also have a risk of high-pressure ventilation injuries, including pneumothoraces, pneumomediastinum, and massive subcutaneous air. We present two cases of patients with high-pressure ventilation injuries after the placement of SGAs in the prehospital setting. Clinicians should be aware of the risk of high-pressure ventilation injuries with SGAs, especially in older patients, those with a higher BMI, those with preexisting airway trauma, and those with high-pressure ventilation requirements.