Cuffed oropharyngeal airway (COPA) as an adjunct to fibreoptic tracheal intubation

• Published in: British Journal of Anaesthesia Vol. 82; no. 3; pp. 395 - 398
• Main Authors: Greenberg, R S, Kay, N H
• Format: Journal Article Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford Elsevier Ltd 01-03-1999; Oxford University Press; Oxford Publishing Limited (England)
• Subjects: Adult; Anesthesia; Anesthesia, General; Anesthesia. Intensive care medicine. Transfusions. Cell therapy and gene therapy; Anesthesia: equipment, devices; Anesthesiology - education; Biological and medical sciences; Clinical Competence; Education, Medical, Graduate - methods; Female; Fiber Optic Technology; Humans; Intubation, Intratracheal - instrumentation; Male; Medical sciences; Oropharynx; Time Factors; Human; Cuff; Oropharyngeal airway; General anesthesia; Intubation; Technique; Trachea; Technical equipment; Optical fiber
• ISSN: 0007-0912; 1471-6771
• DOI: 10.1093/bja/82.3.395

The cuffed oropharyngeal airway (COPA) was evaluated as an adjunct to oral and nasal fibreoptic tracheal intubation in 40 adult patients during general anaesthesia. Time from start to completion of intubation decreased rapidly with experience (median time 138 s). We conclude that the COPA may be a useful adjunct to fibreoptic tracheal intubation, allowing control and support of the airway during the procedure, using various anaesthetic techniques, in an acceptable amount of time. The ability to perform fibreoptic tracheal intubation while effectively supporting the airway using the COPA may be advantageous in managing the difficult airway and in trainee education.