Troubleshooting Hypoxemia After Placement of an Extraglottic Airway

The case presented here highlights the feasibility of using an extraglottic airway device as a conduit for delivering high levels of lifesaving positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP), as well as other means of combating recalcitrant hypoxia. The case also highlights the merit of an approach to the hypoxic patient with an in-situ extraglottic airway device based not only on deciding if the device is functioning to maintain a patent airway, but also, simultaneously considering the patient's physiology. A 71 year old male suffered an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Part of his resuscitation included placement of a dual-balloon extraglottic airway device by EMS. He was hypoxic, but the device seemed to be providing for a patent airway without an air leak. There was also a favorable end-tidal carbon dioxide waveform. The flight team chose to the leave the device in place. PEEP was up-titrated to 17 cmH20 without issue. Sigh breaths, as well as breath holds, were also able to be delivered. The patient's hypoxia improved over the course of the patient's transport, and he ultimately did well.