Airway Management Techniques in Veterinary Anesthesia

Securing and maintaining a patent airway is a cornerstone of safe general anaesthesia across diverse animal species. Anatomical variations among companion animals, livestock and exotic patients present unique challenges, prompting the refinement of both endotracheal and supraglottic approaches. Orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation remains the gold standard for many procedures but often requires specialised tools, such as rigid or flexible endoscopes, to visualise the larynx and minimise trauma. Supraglottic airway devices—including laryngeal masks and novel extraglottic tubes—offer less invasive alternatives with rapid placement and reduced mucosal injury. Advances in species-specific device design, three-dimensional simulation for training, and optimisation of head and neck positioning have improved first-pass success rates. By integrating imaging guidance and tailored device profiles, modern veterinary practice achieves safer ventilation and enhanced peri-operative outcomes.

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Airway Management Techniques in Veterinary Anesthesia publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in airway management techniques in veterinary anesthesia across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Endotracheal intubation: Placement of a tube through the mouth or nose into the trachea to secure and maintain a clear airway for ventilation.

Supraglottic airway device: A device positioned above the vocal cords to provide airway patency without passing through the glottis.

Laryngeal mask airway: A type of supraglottic device featuring an inflatable cuff that seals around the laryngeal inlet for spontaneous or controlled ventilation.

Extraglottic airway device: A broad category of airway devices that secure ventilation without traversing the glottis, often designed to reduce airway trauma.

Endoscope-assisted intubation: Use of a rigid or flexible endoscope to visualise upper airway structures and guide tube placement.

Head placement angle: The degree of neck extension relative to the body axis that optimises anatomical alignment for successful airway device insertion.

References

1. 3D Printed Biomimetic Rabbit Airway Simulation Model for Nasotracheal Intubation Training. Frontiers in Veterinary Science (2020).
2. Cadaveric Study on Comparison of Neck Extension Angles for Endotracheal Intubation in Rabbits Using a Rigid and Flexible Endoscope. Animals (2024).
3. Retrospective comparison of the effects of laryngeal mask and endotracheal tube on some cardio-respiratory variables in pet rabbits undergoing anaesthesia for elective gonadectomy. Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica (2023).
4. The Spritztube: A New Device for the Extraglottic Intubation of Rabbits. Animals (2022).