As the number of COVID-19 cases rises worldwide, prehospital and emergency department healthcare workers remain at high risk of exposure and infection during CPR for patients with cardiac arrest and potential SARS-CoV-2. 

Existing evidence supports similar cardiac arrest outcomes in airways managed with a supraglottic airway (SGA) compared to endotracheal intubation (ETT).¹  It is generally accepted that the best airway seal is provided with endotracheal intubation + viral filter, but how well do SGAs prevent spread of aerosols? 

In CPR simulation studies:

• Cuffed endotracheal tube + viral filter provides effective seal to prevent aerosolization during CPR.²
• SGA + viral filter decreases AP spread compared to facemask and compared to bag-valve mask ventilation during CPR.³
• Notable aerosolization is seen with SGAs, with no difference between AuraGain, I-gel, LMA Proseal, LMA Supreme, Combitube, or LTS-D.²

• Ventilating through an SGA + viral filter is likely better to limit spread of aerosolized particles than bag-valve mask ventilation.
• SGAs allow egress of aerosolized particles, although the amount and area of distribution in clinical practice is unclear, and endotracheal intubation with a cuffed endotracheal tube remains the best way to avoid ongoing aerosolized particle spread with chest compressions. 
• Appropriate PPE remains crucial to limiting healthcare workers' risk of infection and must be prioritized, even/especially in the management of patients in cardiac arrest. 

References

1. Benger JR, Kirby K, Black S, et al. Effect of a Strategy of a Supraglottic Airway Device vs Tracheal Intubation During Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest on Functional Outcome: The AIRWAYS-2 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2018;320(8):779-91. doi: 10.1001/jama.2018.11597.
2. Somri M, Gaitini L, Gat M, et al. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation during the COVID—19 pandemic. Do supraglottic airways protect against aerosol-generation? Resuscitation. 2020. doi: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2020.10.013
3. Ott M, Milazzo A, Liebau S, et al. Exploration of strategies to reduce aerosol-spread during chest compressions: A simulation and cadaver model. Resuscitation. 2020;152:192-8. doi: 10.1016/j.resuscitation.2020.05.012