Page 164 - Clinical Application of Mechanical Ventilation

130 Chapter 5

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Figure 5-3 A nasopharyngeal airway.

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Figure 5-4 Proper placement of a nasopharyngeal airway.

Complications of Nasopharyngeal Airway

The nasopharyngeal airway is unstable and it should be inspected for inad-
vertent movements. Outward movement is more common. Inward migration
may be prevented by using a safety pin on the distal end of the airway to pre-
vent it from going into the nares. Other common complications include soft
tissue damage of the nasal mucosa and bleeding. There are two reported cases
that involved basilar skull fracture with use of nasopharyngeal airway (Roberts
et al., 2005).

ESOphAGEAL OBTuRATOR AIRwAy (EOA)

Unlike an endotracheal tube, an esophageal obturator airway (EOA) is in-
esophageal obturator airway
(EOA): An EOA has a closed (blind) serted into the esophagus. It is used as an alternative to bag and mask venti-
distal end and it is inserted into lation. The EOA is a disposable tube; its structure consists of an opening at
the esophagus.
the proximal (top) end, many small holes near the mid-section, and a blind
distal end. Near the distal end is a large cuff that is inflated during use. The in-
blind distal end: The far end of a flated cuff prevents air from entering the stomach and subsequent regurgitation
tube without an opening.
and aspiration. A mask fits over the tube to prevent leaks around the patient’s

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