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Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation
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Guidelines for Elective Pediatric Fiberoptic Intubation

Published on: January 17, 2011

An evaluation of the cuffed oropharyngeal airway for elective pediatric anesthesia

L Robbins1, N R Connelly

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA 01199, USA.

Journal of Clinical Anesthesia
|January 4, 2001
PubMed

Insights

The cuffed oropharyngeal airway (COPA) is useful in pediatric patients, demonstrating similar efficacy to its use in adults. This airway device effectively maintains patency in most young patients during anesthesia.

Area of Science:

  • Anesthesiology
  • Pediatric Airway Management

Background:

  • The cuffed oropharyngeal airway (COPA) is an airway device with an inflatable cuff designed to ensure airway patency.
  • It has demonstrated effectiveness in anesthetized adult patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the clinical utility and effectiveness of the COPA in pediatric patients.
  • To assess the COPA's performance in providing and maintaining an adequate airway during anesthesia in children.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective evaluation of 50 pediatric patients (under 6 years) undergoing elective surgery.
  • Patients received a size 7 COPA, with a size 8 used if necessary. Failure was defined by inability to achieve an adequate airway despite repositioning.
  • Ease of insertion, airway management, complications, and ability to positive pressure ventilate were assessed.

Main Results:

  • A size 7 COPA achieved an initial fit in 76% of patients; 9 additional patients were managed with a size 8 COPA.
  • The COPA was unsuccessful in only 6% of patients, with laryngospasm occurring in three instances.
  • Positive pressure ventilation was successfully achieved, and no blood was observed on the devices.

Conclusions:

  • The cuffed oropharyngeal airway (COPA) demonstrates parallel usefulness in pediatric patients compared to adult patients.
  • The COPA is an effective airway device for pediatric patients undergoing anesthesia.
Abstract

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