**3. Contraindications**

rescue airway for management of a failed intubation [33]. Several case reports support the use of SGAs for supporting ventilation in difficult airways with failed intubation [34–37]. SGAs also aid successful tracheal intubation in situations in

Flexible bronchoscopies comprise the major airway procedures performed including bronchoalveolar lavage, transbronchial biopsies, and foreign body removal [38]. LMA use during paediatric bronchscopies is associated with ease of insertion during general anaesthesia with spontaneous or assisted ventilation, as

Certain patients who cannot tolerate the procedure with conscious sedation (i.e., excessive gag response or discomfort) may require general anaesthesia. An LMA is

Percutaneous tracheostomies are increasingly performed in the critical care setting. It is indicated in patients who are ventilator dependent due to acute illnesses,

conducted a study on patients undergoing percutaneous tracheostomy using dilating forceps approach where ETT was replaced by an SGA [40]. They concluded that intubation through SGAs offered a superior view of the trachea without the risk of

Since SGAs cause less cough and rise in intracranial or intraocular pressures compared to the ETT, they may be used for smooth emergence from anaesthesia. The device may be placed after removal of the ETT. This is helpful in situations in

In the field, securing an airway is of paramount importance. SGAs are lifesaving in the "can't ventilate, can't intubate" situation. An SGA can be used for transport until a definitive airway can be obtained [41]. The placement of an SGA is easily

During cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), the first part of the secondary survey includes securing an airway device as soon as possible [42]. SGA use during CPR has increased since SGA insertion is easier to learn than tracheal intubation and feasible with fewer and shorter interruptions in chest compression [43]. Use of SGAs during CPR is associated with a lower incidence of regurgitation of gastric

or if duration of ETT use is expected to exceed 2 weeks [39]. Cattano et al.

the bronchoscope or the ETT getting needle punctured.

which airway and hemodynamic reflexes are undesirable.

mastered by the inexperienced hands with minimal training.

which conventional methods have failed.

*Special Considerations in Human Airway Management*

**2.5 Procedures in the critical care units**

well as a net decrease in procedure time.

*2.5.1 Paediatric bronchoscopies*

*2.5.2 Adult bronchoscopies*

an ideal device in such a scenario.

*2.5.3 Percutaneous tracheostomies*

**2.6 Aide to tracheal extubation**

**2.7 Pre or outside the hospital airway**

contents than bag-mask ventilation [44].

**252**

