Resuscitation
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This study evaluated the accuracy of pulse oximetry measured by a modified laryngeal mask airway (LMA). Ten anaesthetized patients (ASA I-II, aged 18-45) undergoing elective knee arthroscopies (mean-duration 40 min) were studied. A transmission pulse oximeter probe/sound OHMEDA was attached on the back of LMA (sizes 4 and 5) in an area in contact with the floor of the laryngeal part of the pharynx. ⋯ At T3 the cuff pressure was decreased at 60 cm H2O. Pharyngeal pulse oximetry correlated with finger pulse oximetry throughout the study and was not effected by over-inflation of the LMA. This modification of the LMA provides an accurate method of measuring pulse oximetry which may be of use in a variety of circumstances.