Medical Emergency in the Dental Surgery 2026 – Part 1 – Airway Management
Every February the Seymour Dental Team have an onsite hands-on Medical Emergency in the Dental Surgery course that runs for 5 hours.
Keep the brain alive. Above all else!
So, CPR is to keep the blood flowing to the brain to supply it with oxygen. Now this is the residual oxygen in the blood before the patient stopped breathing. So, we will do things to clear the airway and then open and maintain the airway. Then, via an air bag, add more oxygen to the blood in tune with the compressions.
The i-gel® is a second-generation, non-inflatable supraglottic airway device used in anaesthesia and resuscitation, featuring a soft gel-like cuff that mirrors perilaryngeal (around the larynx) anatomy to reduce trauma. This ensure oxygen or air is going to the lings and no the stomach.
The i-Gel provides a rapid, secure seal, is available in multiple sizes (sizes 1-4), depending on the size and weight of the patient. It also includes a gastric channel (tube), if available, to suction out gastric material, such as vomit.
Key Features and Benefits
- No Inflation Required: Made from a thermoplastic elastomer, the cuff fits anatomically, reducing compression and displacement trauma.
- Rapid Insertion: Designed for easy, fast, and blind insertion, often in under 5 seconds.
- Gastric Channel: Facilitates venting and allows for the insertion of an orogastric tube.
- Integrated Bite Block: Reduces the risk of airway occlusion.
- Size Selection: Available in seven sizes (paediatric to large adult).
- Security: Provides a high seal pressure.
Insertion Technique
- Preparation: Select the correct size, lubricate the back, sides, and front of the cuff, and keep the device in its protective cradle/cage.
- Positioning: Perform a jaw thrust or head-tilt/chin-lift.
- Insertion: Insert with a continuous, gentle push along the hard palate until resistance is felt.
- Securing: Use tape or a strap and confirm placement pulse oximeter.
Clinical Considerations
- Contraindications: Not for conscious patients (due to gag reflex) or those with poor pulmonary compliance.
- Failure Risks: Can occur in cases of high airway resistance or large amounts of secretions.
- Success Rate: Studies indicate a high first-attempt success rate of 93-96%.
The i-gel is widely utilized to maintain an open airway during short-term procedures, providing a reliable, user-friendly alternative to intubation.
The air bag is also called a hand-held ventilator. Each steady firm squeeze is called ventilation.
After 15 compressions are completed, 1 ventilation are performed.
Reference: https://au.intersurgical.com/products/anaesthesia/i-gel-supraglottic-airway
Next in Series – Medical Emergency in the Dental Surgery 2026 – Part 2 – CPR update
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