Strengths and limitations of airway techniques.

After a prolonged period of stagnation, many new airway devices have entered the clinical arena. Along with these, practice guidelines based primarily on expert opinion have been endorsed by specialty societies. These guidelines encourage a rational progression in strategies rather than persistent ineffective efforts. It is important to have an understanding of the strengths and limitations of the devices and strategies relating to ventilation by face mask and supraglottic airway, the variety of fiberoptic and video laryngoscopic techniques, and the methods of reestablishing the airway after failed extubation.