First experience with the use of COPA during anesthesia – a comparison with laryngeal mask airway

Overview

The paper presents first experience with securing the airway patency during anesthesia with the use of cuffed oropharyngeal airway (COPA). We sought to determine the indications criteria, selection of optimal size for particular patients and optimal induction technique for COPA insertion. Complications associated with insertion of COPA, during anesthesia and after the procedure are reviewed. All monitored parameters are compared to parameters of the group of patients who were anesthetized with the use of laryngeal mask airway in the corresponding time period.

Key words:
cuffed oropharyngeal airway (COPA) – laryngeal mask airway (LMA) – „hands free“ anesthesia – introduction – complications