Airway management during cardiac arrest

Abstract

Purpose of reviewDespite improvements over time, cardiac arrest continues to be associated with high rates of mortality and morbidity. Several methods can be used to achieve airway patency during cardiac arrest, and the optimal strategy continues to be debated. This review will explore and summarize the latest published evidence for airway management during cardiac arrest. Recent findingsA large meta-analysis of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients found no difference in survival between those receiving tracheal intubation and those treated with a supraglottic airway (SGA). Observational studies of registry data have reported higher survival to hospital discharge in patients receiving tracheal intubation or an SGA but another showed no difference. Rates of intubation during inhospital cardiac arrest have decreased in the United States, and different airway strategies appear to be used in different centres.

Efficiency of two-member crews in delivering prehospital advanced life support cardiopulmonary resuscitation: A scoping review

“…Early airway management remains a contentious issue, 33 but the supraglottic airway devices use appears not to be inferior to tracheal intubation as a method of initial airway management in OHCA. 34 , 35 , 36 Its use may have a positive impact on achieving ROSC, though its effect on other clinical outcomes in OHCA remains uncertain. 37 The ease of inserting a laryngeal mask allows for ergonomic approaches like over-the-head CPR and ventilation.…”