How many attempts can be made to insert a supraglottic airway (SGA)?

The recommended number of attempts for inserting a supraglottic airway (SGA) is typically three. This guideline is in place to strike a balance between providing adequate opportunity for successful airway management and minimizing the risk of causing trauma or other complications.

The first attempt is critical, and if unsuccessful, subsequent attempts are often needed. By allowing up to three tries, practitioners have enough flexibility to adjust their technique, which can include altering the positioning of the patient, reassessing the size of the device being used, or employing different insertion angles while still adhering to safety protocols. After three attempts, it is generally advisable to consider alternative airway management strategies, as beyond this point, the risk of complications may begin to outweigh the benefits of continued attempts.

Establishing a clear limit helps to ensure that the provider remains focused on the patient's safety while still being efficient in managing airway challenges.