Guedel Tube
Item
Type Airway Adjunct Category Airway/Breathing Action Access Head Use Count Single-use Weight 0.05kg | 0.1lb
Technical
Classname ACM_GuedelTube

The Guedel Tube, or Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA) is an Airway Adjunct used to keep the upper airway open in unconscious patients.

Function

The guedel tube is used to manage loss of airway reflexes and Airway Collapse by physically opening the airway and allowing air to pass through the tube into the airway.

When inserted it will block access to other oral-inserted airway adjuncts and prevent establishing of the Recovery Position.

The guedel tube has a limited ability to mitigate airway collapse and will need to be replaced with an advanced airway if the patient is unconscious for a prolonged time.

The guedel tube does not prevent Airway Obstructions, obstructions need to be cleared if they occur.

Usage

The Guedel Tube can be removed at any point, and will be automatically removed upon the patient waking up.

• Head Tilt-Chin Lift - If the patient has severe airway collapse a head tilt-chin lift can be performed with a guedel tube inserted to mitigate the collapse and keep the airway open.
• Recovery Position - If the patient is placed into the recovery position inserting a guedel tube will cancel the recovery position.
• CPR and BVM - An inserted guedel tube does not allow simultaneous CPR and BVM use.

Indications

• Unconscious patient with no inserted airway adjunct

Contraindications

• An advanced airway is already in place
• Airway obstruction
• Severe airway collapse

External Links

• Oropharyngeal Airway (Wikipedia)