Airway Techniques

Year 2025, Volume: 1 Issue: 2, 56 - 63, 01.09.2025

Erbil Türksal

Abstract

Airway management is a fundamental practice of vital importance in numerous clinical specialties, including anesthesiology, emergency medicine, and intensive care. In this review, commonly used techniques in clinical practice —bag-mask ventilation, endotracheal intubation methods (direct laryngoscopy, video laryngoscopy, and flexible bronchoscopic intubation), extraglottic airway devices (LMA, Combitube), and surgical airway techniques (cricothyrotomy and tracheotomy)— have been evaluated in light of the most current evidence. The advantages, limitations, clinical indications, and procedural details of each technique have been discussed in depth. The available data demonstrate that the choice of airway method varies according to the patient’s profile and the urgency of the clinical situation. Advanced technological approaches improve success rates in difficult airway scenarios, while extraglottic and surgical interventions offer life-saving solutions during emergencies. Airway management should be approached holistically, encompassing not only technical execution but also accurate assessment, appropriate equipment selection, and sound clinical decision-making. Consequently, it is critically important for healthcare professionals to be proficient in all airway techniques and to continuously update their skills in order to ensure patient safety.

Keywords

airway management , bag mask ventilation , intubation , extraglottic airway techniques , surgical airway techniques

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