An evaluation of the airway management device

We have evaluated the Airway Management Device (AMD (TM)) in 105 anaestheti sed patients. We were successful in establishing a clear airway on the firs t attempt on 69 occasions and unable to establish a patent airway at all in 10 patients. Airway obstruction requiring removal of the device occurred d uring maintenance of anaesthesia in a further two cases and during emergenc e in three. Loss of the airway during anaesthesia occurred in eight of 95 p atients and could be reversed by manipulation of the airway in six cases. O verall, 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, assis ted ventilation was satisfactory in 93, with a leak pressure above 20 cmH(2 )O in 65. Intracuff pressure was measured in 12 cases and was above 100 cmH (2)O in eight. Minor complications occurred in 12 patients. Blood was visib le on removal of the device in six cases.