Objective evaluation of an airway management appliance in infants with craniofacial anomalies

This study describes an intraoral appliance designed to reposition the tongue to facilitate a patent airway for infants experiencing respiratory distress. Transcutaneous pulse oximetry is used to objectively evaluate this method of airway management in 15 neonates with craniofacial anomalies. The appliance can significantly improve the blood oxygen saturation level in the infants in whom it is used (P less than .0001).