Snorkel breathing technique in anesthesia: A narrative review

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Airway Management

Background:

• Traditional face masks are standard for preoxygenation and gas induction in anesthesia.
• Challenges exist with face mask application in certain patient populations.
• Patient acceptance and comfort with face masks can be a concern.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence supporting the snorkel breathing technique in anesthesia.
• To identify patient scenarios where snorkel breathing is appropriate.
• To compare snorkel breathing with traditional face masks.

Main Methods:

• A narrative review of nine relevant articles on anesthesia and airway management.
• Literature search using a defined strategy.
• Inclusion of author's clinical experience.

Main Results:

• Snorkel breathing is as effective as face masks for preoxygenation (end-tidal oxygen > 0.9).
• It is suitable for patients with challenging face mask anatomy.
• Patients and volunteers show greater acceptance of snorkel breathing.
• It facilitates apneic oxygenation during rapid sequence induction, reducing plastic use.
• Snorkel gas induction can improve patient experience, especially for children and claustrophobic adults.

Conclusions:

• The snorkel breathing technique presents advantages over face masks in specific anesthetic situations.
• It offers a potentially smoother and more pleasant anesthesia induction.
• Further randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm patient-centered outcomes.