Comparative Analysis of Supraglottic Airway Devices in Hospital and Pre-Hospital Settings: A Narrative Review
Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Introduction: A supraglottic airway device (SAD) is an airway device that is inserted into the upper airway or pharynx to allow for oxygenation, ventilation, and administering anesthesia. Among the numerous SADs available, the Laryngeal Mask Airways (LMA), I-Gel, and Air-Q are among the most widely used in both hospital and pre-hospital settings. This narrative review compares the efficacy, safety, and usability of LMA, i-Gel, and Air-Q in hospital vs. pre-hospital environments by analyzing complication rates, insertion-success rates, and other operational characteristics. Methods: This narrative review followed a structured search strategy using PubMed and Google Scholar with predefined keywords including “supraglottic airway devices,” “LMA,” “i-gel,” “Air-Q,” and “airway device efficacy.” Sources were limited to English-language articles indexed on PubMed. Articles reviewing the LMA, i-gel, and Air-Q were published between 2008 and 2024. Results: The results demonstrate distinct advantages for each device corresponding to specific clinical scenarios. The LMA remains versatile and reliable for general use. The i-gel offers lower complication rates, including a postoperative sore throat (POST) rate of approximately 5–8%, compared to 10–15% for the LMA and 12–15% for the Air-Q. The Air-Q excels as an intubation conduit, making it ideal for difficult airways requiring endotracheal tube (ETT) passage. Postoperative sore throat was the most common adverse event across all three devices. Conclusion: The LMA, i-gel, and Air-Q are all effective SADs with unique attributes. Device selection should be guided by clinical objectives, patient population, safety priorities, and practitioner experience. Further research, particularly in pediatric and high-risk populations, is warranted to refine their applications.
Language: English
Subfield: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7162326153