The cuffed oropharyngeal airway as an aid to fibreoptic intubation

The cuffed oropharyngeal airway is a new disposable airway based on the Guedel oral airway. It has an asymmetrical cuff which provides a seal as well as lifting the base of the tongue forwards, and a 15-mm connector allowing attachment to an anaesthetic breathing system. The device does not extend beyond the vallecula, so that the laryngeal inlet can be visualised with a fibreoptic laryngoscope passed between the cuff of the device and the pharyngeal wall. The advantage is that ventilation is maintained throughout the intubating sequence. We describe its use in a patient with oropharyngeal carcinoma.