Obesity surgery
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A new positioning device, the Rapid Airway Management Positioner (RAMP, Airpal Inc., Center Valley, PA) was evaluated to determine if there was an improvement in either mask ventilation, direct laryngoscopy, or both with the use of the RAMP in this patient population. Fifty-one morbidly obese patients (BMI > 35 kg/m(2)) undergoing elective bariatric surgery were enrolled. Ventilation and laryngoscopy was performed in the neutral and head-elevated laryngoscopy position (HELP). ⋯ Ease of intubation was perceived to be severely difficult among two, and overall use of the positioning device was found to be difficult among seven of the residents. The RAMP effectively positions morbidly obese patients in the HELP position. Ease of ventilation and laryngoscopic view were both improved with its use in this patient population.