The origin and evolution of a permeable airway

Abstract

Over the centuries, we have discovered the importance of preserving a safe permeable airway. From Hippocrates in ancient Greece to the 20th century in the East and West, the development of multiple tools that enable this task continues through time, which is why with this systematic review we aim to uncover the origin and historical background of the endotracheal tube, the oropharyngeal cannula and the laryngoscope, discussing their effectiveness in the anesthetic-surgical practice over years to the present day.