During emergency care, medical professionals may use a trumpet airway (Oropharyngeal Airway, OPA) to maintain an open airway, particularly in unconscious patients experiencing airway obstruction due to tongue collapse. These patients can breathe themselves, doctors use the trumpet airway can prevent airway blockage caused by the tongue falling back. However, it should only be used in unconscious patients without an intact gag reflex, as its use in patients with an active gag reflex may induce vomiting and increase the risk of aspiration. This article will help you know everything about the trumpet airway.

 What is a Trumpet Airway?

A trumpet airway, also known as a Nasopharyngeal Airway (NPA), is a medical device designed to maintain an open airway in patients. Generally, it is made from soft materials such as silicone or PVC, and is tube-shaped. Unlike standard nasopharyngeal airways, the trumpet airway is shaped like a small trumpet, which is why it is named as such. 

Features of the trumpet airway:

• Compared to other airway devices, the trumpet airway's material is soft, reducing the likelihood of causing damage to the oral or pharyngeal tissues.

• In contrast to the Oropharyngeal Airway (OPA), the trumpet airway is more suitable for patients who are semi-conscious but still require assistance in keeping their airways open.

• Trumpet airways have different lengths and diameters to suit various patient sizes and age groups.

• When a patient has a gag reflex, the trumpet airway helps minimize the risk of aspiration, especially in patients with swallowing reflexes but still at risk for airway obstruction.

PVC Nasopharyngeal Airway (Trumpet Type)

When Should You Use a Trumpet Airway?

The trumpet airway should be used in the following situations: 

Partial Airway Obstruction

In case a patient's away route is mostly deterred due to the tongue falling back or delicate tissue collapse, the trumpet airway can offer assistance to keep up an open airway, permitting discussion to stream unreservedly to the lungs.

Patients Incapable of Enduring an Oropharyngeal AirwayRoute

The OPA requires the quiet to be oblivious because it can incite a solid choke reflex. The trumpet airway is superior suited for semi-conscious patients but at the hazard of airway obstacles. 

Patients Who Need Frequent Suctioning

For patients who require frequent suctioning of the airway, the trumpet airway can serve as a conduit for suction, making the method smoother and lessening harm to the nasal depression and airway.

Patients with neck trauma or immobilization

For patients with cervical wounds or those who have had neck surgery, making it troublesome to perform maneuvers like head tilting or jaw pushed, the trumpet airway can be an elective arrangement to assist keep the airway open.

In some emergencies, such as field rescue or ambulance, if endotracheal intubation is not possible immediately, Trumpet Airway can be used as a temporary measure to maintain the patient's breathing. 

What Should You Be Aware of When Using a Trumpet Airway?

• Avoid Using Incorrect Sizes: If the trumpet airway is too large, it may cause nasal or pharyngeal damage. If it's too small, it may not effectively keep the airway open.

• Not Suitable for Complete Airway Obstruction: If the patient's airway is completely obstructed (e.g., by a foreign body), other urgent airway management techniques, such as intubation or cricothyrotomy, should be considered.

• Aspiration Risk: While the trumpet airway reduces the risk of aspiration, it's essential to promptly clear any secretions in cases of severe vomiting or bleeding to prevent aspiration.

• Regular Monitoring: After inserting the trumpet airway, it's important to continuously monitor the patient's breathing status to ensure the device has not shifted or become obstructed.  
   
  

  Silicone Nasopharyngeal Airway 
  
  

How to Properly Use a Trumpet Airway?

Choose the Correct Size

The length of the trumpet airway should correspond to the distance from the patient's nostrils to the angle of the jaw, ensuring the device effectively opens the airway without being too deep or too shallow. The diameter should be appropriate to avoid nasal injury while ensuring it keeps the airway open.

Correct Insertion

• Lubrication: Apply a water-soluble lubricant to the trumpet airway to reduce friction and minimize the risk of nasal injury.

• Patient Positioning: Have the patient's head slightly tilted backward to facilitate insertion.

• Insertion Technique: Gently insert the device along the natural curve of the nasal passage. Do not force it to avoid causing nasal bleeding. It can be gently guided along the bottom of the nose, avoiding the septum. If resistance is encountered, rotate the device slightly to ease its passage. 
  
  

Monitor the Patient

After inserting the trumpet airway, ensure that the patient's breathing is unobstructed and the airway is clear. Watch for any secretions that may obstruct the airway and clear them as needed. Continuously monitor the patient for any discomfort or inability to tolerate the device, and consider changing the method if necessary.

Conclusion

Trumpet airways may not be suitable for all situations, but they are suitable for patients who are conscious but at risk of airway obstruction. You'd better choose the way according to the real situation so that the oropharyngeal airway can maintain airway patency more comfortably and reduce the risk of aspiration. Proper selection of size, correct insertion, and ongoing monitoring are crucial to ensure patient safety and effective airway management. Bever Medical offers a variety of trumpet airway products, made from high-quality materials that meet medical standards and are widely used in emergency, surgical, and ICU settings. For more information, please contact Bever Medical.