Supraglottic airways devices: use in veterinary medicine

Abstract

V-gels® (Docsinnovent Ltd, UK) are the first veterinary supraglottic airway devices (SADs) that have been developed. They can be used as an alternative to endotracheal intubation. Species that would benefit from the use of v-gels include cats and rabbits. In both species orotracheal intubation may be difficult, due to specific anatomical features in lagomorphs and due to laryngospasm in cats. As a result of difficulties related to rabbit intubation, anaesthesia is often induced and maintained with a facemask, which commonly leads to inadequate ventilation. Rapid achievement of a secure airway allows mechanical ventilation should hypoventilation or apnoea occur — common problems following anaesthetic induction in rabbits and cats. In patients where endotracheal intubation is not possible, v-gels can provide a secure and patent airway, enable intermittent positive pressure ventilation and reduce the environmental contamination with anaesthetic gases. Use of capnography is highly advisable with SADs, as this will provide rapid notification if the device becomes dislodged or blocked, in addition to providing useful information regarding patient ventilation and cardiovascular status.