12.16.2025
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Literature-Airway Management
The Legacy of Arthur Guedel
The Oropharyngeal Airway is synonymous with the name Arthur Guedel (1883–1956). During World War I, Guedel recognized the need for a device that could prevent airway obstruction in wounded soldiers undergoing ether anesthesia. He designed a "J-shaped" device that followed the curvature of the palate, holding the tongue forward. Modern Guedel airways feature a reinforced "Bite Block" to prevent patients from biting down and occluding the airway.
The Nasal Trumpet: A Gentle Alternative
The Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA), often called the "Nasal Trumpet," provides a route through the nasal cavity to the hypopharynx. Its history dates back to the early 20th century as a solution for patients with "trismus" (lockjaw) or those who still possessed a gag reflex. Unlike the OPA, the NPA is better tolerated by semi-conscious patients and does not trigger vomiting as easily.
Key Comparison and Usage
- Guedel Airway: Best for unconscious patients without a gag reflex. It is sized from the corner of the mouth to the angle of the jaw.
- Nasal Airway: Ideal for patients with intact gag reflexes or oral trauma. It is sized from the tip of the nose to the earlobe.
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