Esophageal obturator airway: use and complications

The esophageal obturator airway, in lieu of placement of an endotracheal tube, has been found to be an effective and reliably safe means of providing an artificial airway. By occluding the esophagus, it prevents gastric dilatation and aspiration. However, it is not totally without hazard. Two cases of pharyngoesophageal trauma are reported: a high esophageal tear found at post mortem examination and a pyriform sinus laceration noted on admission to the hospital. The authors recommend conservative treatment for cervical esophageal perforations and surgery for thoracic esophageal perforations. Despite these complications, the authors feel the esophageal obturator airway is safe and effective for use by those unskilled in direct endotracheal intubation when participating in cardiopulmonary resuscitation.