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maneuvers until the airway is secure, which video
laryngoscopes can significantly expedite.
Video laryngoscopes allow for quicker visuali-
zation of the vocal cords and let the anesthesia
provider stand further back from the airway
because they're referring to a video screen as
opposed to looking directly down the patient's air-
way. Theoretically, a video laryngoscope will
decrease the risk of exposure to the anesthesia
provider and, in many cases, give them a greater
sense of safety.
Place a high-efficiency hydrophobic
filter between the face mask and breathing circuit
or between the face mask and reservoir bag to
avoid contaminating the atmosphere. This is a stan-
dard, universally recommended step. But like all
standard recommendations, it's also worth remind-
ing your staff — especially with all the additional
precautions providers must take in the era of
COVID-19. Also, use extra caution whenever a pro-
cedure has a high probability of creating aerosoliza-
tion. For example, if a patient will be breathing
spontaneously, place a surgical mask over the oxy-
gen face mask to help control spray.
3. Use PPE properly
Personal protection is the foundation for all health-
care providers involved in airway management.
Anesthesia providers should wear disposable surgi-
cal caps, fluid-resistant long-sleeved gowns, goggles,
N95 masks, disposable face shields and two pairs of
gloves. Double-gloving allows providers to remove
the outer glove to sheath the laryngoscope blade
after the airway is secured. Many providers prefer
cloth caps, but when caring for suspected COVID-
19 patients, disposable caps are the best way to pre-
vent the harboring and transmitting of the virus
among staff and patients.
Anesthesia providers are at a higher risk of being
exposed to aerosolized droplets of COVID-19, but all
members of the surgical team should have access to
necessary PPE during intubations. They should wear
N95 masks for suspected COVID-19 cases and for
asymptomatic open airway cases. A powered air-puri-
fying respirator (PAPR) may also be warranted.
Your facility should have a protocol for the appro-
A NEW ERA IN
AIRWAY MANAGEMENT
The practice of anesthesia has
improved significantly over the last
several decades. Shouldn't airway
management devices evolve, too?
The McMurray Enhanced Airway (MEA) is a fast,
easy-to-use airway device designed to open
the upper obstructed airway and meet today's
anesthesia needs.
UÊ Stents open the upper airway without
requiring chin lift or jaw thrust maneuvers;
supports distancing in the O.R. and Recovery.
UÊ Helps decrease coughing after deep
extubation in the O.R. and before transfer to
Recovery.
UÊ An excellent airway management option for
patients undergoing deep MAC.
UÊ Provides intraoral ventilation for patients who
are difficult to mask.
UÊ Can be used instead of the non-indicated
workaround practice of
placing nasal airways
orally.
Visit www.mcmurraymed.com
for more information.
