Do we use supraglotic devices in difficult airway rescue as the guidelines recommend us?

Abstract

The indications for the use of supraglottic devices have been extended over time and today they have taken a prominent role in the management of the difficult airway within the different algorithms of scientific societies. This study tries to evaluate if these algorithms are really being put into practice (and therefore the use of these devices as a rescue) in our normal practice everyday. We have a retrospective cohort study of the Danish database on anesthetic acts comprising an extended period from 2008 to 2012 , analyzing 658,104 general anesthesia of adult patients. Special attention is given to patients who presented difficult airway, and the management to ensure oxygenation and airway. After statistical analysis, it is concluded that supraglottic devices are not widely used as rescue devices in patients with difficult airway, despite their relevant role in the management algorithms of this.