An evaluation of the Airway Management Device

We have evaluated the Airway Management Device (AMD) in 105 anaesthetised patients. We were successful in establishing a clear airway on the first attempt on 69 occasions and unable to establish a patent airway at all in 10 patients. Airway obstruction requiring removal of the device occurred during maintenance of anaesthesia in a further two cases and during emergence in three. Loss of the airway during anaesthesia occurred in eight of 95 patients and could be reversed by manipulation of the airway in six cases. Overall, a mean of 0.56 manipulations per patient were required to establish an airway and a further 0.42 per patient were required during maintenance of anaesthesia. In the 95 patients in whom an airway was established, assisted ventilation was satisfactory in 93, with a leak pressure above 20 cmH2O in 65. Intracuff pressure was measured in 12 cases and was above 100 cmH2O in eight. Minor complications occurred in 12 patients. Blood was visible on removal of the device in six cases.