Oropharyngeal airway or Guedel airway is a medical device used to maintain an open airway during general anesthesia or unconsciousness. It is a curved plastic tube that is inserted into the patient's mouth and positioned over the tongue to prevent it from blocking the airway.
The Oral airway is classified by size, ranging from 000 to 5, with the appropriate size chosen based on the patient's age and physical characteristics. This device is commonly used in emergency medicine and critical care settings to aid in resuscitation efforts and to maintain airway patency. It is an essential tool for healthcare providers to ensure the delivery of safe and effective patient care.
Additionally, the Oral Airways should always be secured in the correct position to prevent the dangerous condition of aspiration of fluid or other material into the lungs.