Views: 0 Author: Site Editor Publish Time: 2025-06-16 Origin: Site
The human respiratory system is responsible for the exchange of gases between the body and the external environment, delivering life-essential oxygen to various tissues and organs while removing carbon dioxide generated by metabolism. This process is mainly carried out through the nose, pharynx, larynx, trachea, bronchi, and lungs. It is one of the most critical basic functions for sustaining life. In anesthesia practice, ensuring airway patency and normal respiratory function is of vital importance.
Airway management refers to a series of medical techniques or methods used to keep the patient's airway open and ensure smooth gas exchange with the lungs. The core goal is to guarantee sufficient oxygen supply and effective carbon dioxide elimination, which is fundamental for life safety and effective anesthesia.
Establishing an artificial airway come in various forms. Non-invasive methods include mask ventilation support. Supraglottic airway devices such as laryngeal masks sit above the glottis. More invasive is tracheal intubation, where a tube passes through the glottis into the trachea. In emergency or special situations, a surgical airway such as cricothyrotomy may be established to directly access the trachea. These are commonly used airway management techniques during anesthesia or emergency care.
Airway management is required in the following situations: when full airway assessment predicts that the patient may not maintain spontaneous breathing or has ventilation difficulties; during anesthesia induction and maintenance when breathing is suppressed; when the patient is unconscious or has lost the cough reflex, thus requiring airway protection from aspiration; in life-threatening conditions such as airway blockage, edema, or massive bleeding; during emergency surgeries or trauma care needing a secure airway; and when using supraglottic devices like laryngeal masks for ventilation support.
It is difficult to define a single most effective method. The best approach depends on patient condition, type of surgery, and practitioner skill. Fundamental and essential techniques include manual open-airway methods like chin lift or jaw thrust, used to resolve urgent airway closure. For high-protection or complex procedures, endotracheal intubation is the most reliable and standard method. For short surgeries or specific scenarios, supraglottic devices can also be very effective and less invasive.
The most important point is recognizing that no single airway device or intubation technique fits all patients or situations. A thorough understanding of different airway devices and their mechanisms, along with mastery of intubation techniques such as nasal, oral, or awake intubation, is crucial. Operators must possess continuous assessment ability, precise judgment, and skilled techniques, and must flexibly adjust strategies based on changing clinical conditions to ensure patient safety.
https://www.cn-meditech.com/Anesthesia-breathing-consumable-pl3684231.html
A supraglottic airway device that seals the entrance of the larynx through a cuff, allowing ventilation. Commonly used in short-duration surgeries or as a backup in difficult intubations, it is relatively easy to use and causes minimal trauma.
Also known as an endotracheal catheter or ET tube, it is inserted into the trachea through the mouth or nose to establish a reliable artificial airway. It consists of a cuff, tube body, and connector. It is suitable for controlled ventilation, aspiration prevention, or long-term airway maintenance during surgery or critical care.
A specialized tube placed through a tracheostomy to create an artificial passage from the neck to the trachea. Mainly used for upper airway obstruction, long-term mechanical ventilation, or after major head and neck surgeries.
The oropharyngeal airway device is curved to prevent tongue fallback and pharyngeal blockage; the nasopharyngeal airway device is a soft long tube supporting the nasopharyngeal pathway. Both are used for unconscious patients with spontaneous breathing to temporarily maintain airway patency.
Also known as a bag-valve-mask (BVM), it consists of an elastic bag, one-way valve system, and face mask. Used for manual oxygenation and ventilation in emergencies. It can function independently or with endotracheal tubes and other devices.
Suction catheters are used to clear airway secretions, while feeding tubes support intraoperative nutrition. They must be stored separately to avoid confusion with artificial airway devices.
Assembled with laryngoscope handles for direct visualization of the glottis. Available in various sizes and shapes (curved or straight) to suit different throat anatomies. They assist in airway grading and guide intubation procedures.
Used to deliver oxygen or inhalational anesthetics to spontaneously breathing patients. Its transparent design allows observation of the mouth and nose, and the soft edge minimizes leakage. It is a basic tool for preoxygenation and inhalation induction.
A gas transmission system composed of corrugated tubes, reservoir bag, and connectors. Connects the patient to the anesthesia machine, delivers anesthetic gases, and removes CO₂. Modern systems often use dual-limb circuits with one-way valves for directional gas flow. Continuous intraoperative gas exchange relies on this system.
A barrier device placed in the breathing circuit. Mainly intercepts microorganisms and particles to reduce ventilator contamination and cross-infection risk, especially essential for immunocompromised patients or prolonged surgeries.
A standard consumable for medium to high concentration oxygen therapy. Its design includes exhalation ports to dilute exhaled gases, suitable for patients in recovery rooms or wards needing stable oxygen delivery.
A lightweight device with double nasal prongs for oxygen delivery. Highly comfortable and does not interfere with eating or talking. Used for low-flow oxygen therapy, commonly seen in outpatient settings or patient transport.
An improved mask with an oxygen reservoir bag. Stores oxygen during exhalation and delivers both reservoir and ambient air during inhalation, increasing the oxygen concentration to over 60%. Effective for treating acute hypoxia.
Used with a nebulizer cup to deliver medications as inhalable aerosols to the airways. Used for bronchospasm treatment or postoperative airway humidification, helping reduce irritation.
A single-use device for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Features a transparent mask with a central one-way valve, allowing the rescuer to ventilate without contacting the patient’s secretions, minimizing infection risk while ensuring ventilation efficiency.
A water container connected to oxygen devices. Warms and humidifies dry medical gases to prevent airway mucosa damage during long-term oxygen therapy. Sterile water should be changed daily to prevent bacterial colonization.
Also known as an Ambu bag or bag-mask ventilation device. Provides positive pressure ventilation through manual bag compression. It can be used for emergency respiratory support or connected to endotracheal tubes for transport or during power outages.
Choosing suitable respiratory medical supplies requires comprehensive judgment based on the patient’s physiological status, clinical scenario, and management goals. Core considerations include evaluating airway structure and function, identifying oxygenation and ventilation needs, assessing procedural invasiveness and potential risks, while also considering treatment duration and environmental limitations. Devices should be selected based on whether spontaneous breathing is suppressed, the degree of airway protection required, risk of aspiration or obstruction, etc. Scientific selection from basic oxygen delivery devices to advanced artificial airways ensures efficient gas exchange, reduced complications, and safe, effective, and personalized respiratory support.