The role of the esophageal obturator airway in cardiopulmonary resuscitation

MICHAEL, T. A. DON M.D.

Departments of Medicine of the University of California, Los Angeles, and Kern Medical Center, Bakersfield, CA.

Address for correspondence: T. A. Don Michael, M.D., 309 Panorama Dr., Bakersfield, CA 93305.

Circulation 74:p IV-137, December 1986.

The esophageal obturator airway (EOA) has been in use for over a decade and has been inserted over 3 million times. It has given rise to a body of literature, some of it controversial, concerning the role of the device. Data concerning the ventilatory efficiency, safety, complications, limitations, indications, and contraindications as well as mortality and morbidity associated with its use are presented and its present role in CPR is described. In line with the recommendations of the 1985 Standards Committee, the BOA is regarded as a endotracheal tube in the training of paramedics.