Virtual Disaster Medicine

Training Center (VDMTC)

Module 14

Advanced Airway Techniques

Part 2 - New Generation Supraglottic Ventilatory Devices

Conclusion

Anesthesiologists and patients rely on equipment to be safe during anesthesia.  The relationship between manufacturer and clinician, acting for the patient, is symbiotic.  Patient care can only improve through a sustained effort by clinicians and manufacturers to improve the medical devices used during anesthesia.  In this respect, much has been achieved in airway care in the last 15 years and the practice of anesthesia has been transformed.  Innovation does not come cheap and much of the cost of advances or improvements comes during research and development.  This cost is borne entirely by the manufacturer.  A more open relationship between interested parties and the early involvement of objective structured evaluation of new airway equipment is recommended.  Such an approach should prevent under-tested or under-developed products coming to market and so protect patients.  While this is the essential aim, an evaluation program should encourage and support equipment manufacturers and needs careful balance to achieve both these goals.