COPA as an aid for tracheal intubation

The purpose of this study is to verify the usefulness of the cuffed oropharyngeal airway (COPA) as a device to guide a tracheal tube using a semiblind technique with a lightwand. Ten anaesthetised patients (ASA I-II, aged 35-67) undergoing to an elective surgery were analysed. We selected and positioned a correct size of COPA for each patient. A lightwand (Trachlight) was then inserted into the COPA to confirm correct placement of this device. The lightwand was then removed and the first portion of a tube exchanger (TE) was inserted and connected by a 15-mm connector with the breathing circuit and its position was confirmed by End Tidal CO(2) values during ventilation. The patients were then paralysed and ventilation through the first portion of the TE reconfirmed. The COPA was removed, and the second portion of the TE was connected and used as a guide for a tracheal intubation. This combined technique had a success rate of six out of ten patients and could be used for airway management if a fibre optic scope or other devices such as a Combitube, LMA or LMA Fastrach were not available. The preliminary data from this study are not indicative of the statistical validity of this technique. Further studies should be performed to verify the statistical reliability of the technique.