An oropharyngeal airway (also known as an oral airway, OPA or Guedel pattern airway) is a medical device called an airway adjunct used in airway management to maintain or open a patient's airway. It does this by preventing the tongue from covering the epiglottis, which could prevent the person from breathing. When a person becomes unconscious ...

Mar 23, 2023 · Oropharyngeal airway, also called Guedel airway, or oral airway, OPA is a rigid intraoral medical device that sits on top of the mouth and ends at the base of the tongue. It displaces the tongue away from the posterior pharyngeal wall, …

May 18, 2015 · An oropharyngeal airway (oral airway, OPA) is an airway adjunct used to maintain or open the airway by stopping the tongue from covering the epiglottis. In this position, the tongue may prevent an individual from breathing.

The oropharyngeal airway (OPA) is a curved plastic device inserted into the mouth to prevent airway obstruction by displacing the tongue away from the posterior pharyngeal wall. It is a simple but essential airway adjunct used in unconscious patients without a …

As described, the main indication for use of an OPA is if a patient is at risk of airway obstruction due to relaxed upper airway muscles or blockage of the airway by the tongue. For example, if you perform a head tilt-chin lift maneuver or jaw thrust on a patient to open their airway and are not able to ventilate the patient successfully ...

Oct 30, 2024 · What Is An Oropharyngeal Airway? An oropharyngeal airway (OPA) is a curved plastic or rubber device designed to keep the airway open by preventing the tongue from covering the epiglottis, which could block the airway. It is typically shaped like a curved tube with a flange at one end. The curve matches the natural curvature of the mouth and throat.

Size: Use one that matches the distance between the corner of the patient’s mouth and angle of their jaw . How to insert a Guedel airway. Ensure no foreign bodies in the mouth; Lubricate the oropharyngeal airway; Insert into the mouth upside down (reduces risk of pushing tongue back)

May 1, 2019 · Learn the history of the oropharyngeal airway (OPA) and review how to size the OPA for the patient, as well as the correct way to insert this basic, and effective, airway adjunct.

Oct 6, 2024 · Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA): Lifts the tongue off the posterior pharyngeal wall to prevent airway obstruction; bite block; assist oropharyngeal suctioning; promotes moulding of the face of a mask for manual ventilation

Apr 27, 2014 · Both types of OPA’s allow for suctioning and come in various sizes for infants, children and adults. Indications. Contraindications. How to Insert. Select an OPA and measure from the level of the teeth to the angle of the jaw. Open the patient’s mouth by using the crossed-finger or scissor technique.