[Learning placement of a new oropharyngeal intubation (Copa)]

To assess learning of Copa (cuffed oropharyngeal airway) technique required for insertion and manual ventilation.

Open prospective clinical study.

Four staff members, two anaesthetists and two nurse anaesthetists and 74 ASA I or II patients without difficult intubation criteria presenting for minor surgery in the supine position under general anaesthesia.

After induction of anaesthesia, the Copa was inserted by each doctor and nurse in at least 16 patients and the ventilation manually assisted until spontaneous breathing resumed.

The success rate of insertion at the first attempt was 97%. Therefore no learning period was required. Two laryngospasms and two episodes of cough occurred during Copa placement. Additional manipulations to optimise the ventilation were needed in 48 patients.

Copa is easy to use without previous training. Further studies are required to assess its side effects and the appropriate depth of anaesthesia required for its insertion.