Minerva anestesiologica
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Minerva anestesiologica · Dec 1999
Editorial Review Comparative StudyDo we need new supraglottic devices? Clinical appraisal of the cuffed oropharyngeal airway (COPA)
The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) has been widely studied for both conventional and nonconventional uses, while the literature on the cuffed oropharyngeal airway (COPA) is still limited. The purpose of this manuscript was to review the initial appraisal of efficacy, safety, effects on hemodynamics and respiratory function, induction agents and drug requirements of this new supraglottic device. ⋯ More extensive clinical evaluations should be advocated to better understand the risk/benefit ratio of this new supraglottic device; however, it may be concluded that in healthy adults receiving general anesthesia for short procedures the COPA allows for an effective and safe control of the patient's airway and ventilation.