Guedel’s Airway: Indications, Insertion and Risks

Guedel’s airway is a medical device used to keep the airway patent. It is also known as orophareyngeal airway. Oropharyngeal airway prevents the tongue from falling backward and obstruction of the airway. When a person is unconscious the muscles of jaw are relaxed allowing the tongue to fall back. In this situation, Guedel’s aiway is necessary to avoid the complication of tongue fall back.
Airway management is vitally necessary for the life of every patient. Oropharyngeal airway is inserted in the patient’s mouth upside down. It means while inserting the airway, it is directed upward and then is rotated through 180 degrees, allowing easy insertion and assurance of secured tongue.

Indications of Guedel’s airway (Oropharyngeal airway):

• Unconsciousness

• General anesthesia

Risks of oropharyngeal airway:

• Gag reflux leading to vomiting

• It may close the glottis if too large

• Injury and bleeding

Image via Wikipedia (Guedel’s airways of different sizes)

Dr. Muzammil Irshad (drmuzammilirshad@gmail.com)