Successful pharyngeal pulse oximetry in low perfusion states.
OBJECTIVE
We describe pharyngeal oximetry with the laryngeal mask airway in two patients with low perfusion states where finger oximetry failed.


METHODS
One patient was a 47-yr-old man with septic shock and the other a 64-yr-old man with multiorgan failure. In both patients, a # 4 laryngeal mask airway with a pediatric pulse oximeter probe was inserted behind the tracheal tube. A good waveform was obtained and oxygen saturation was 0-2% lower than arterial samples.


CONCLUSIONS
Pharyngeal oximetry with the laryngeal mask airway is feasible in low perfusion states when finger oximetry fails.
Brimacombe
J
J
University of Queensland, Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Cairns Base Hospital, Australia. 100236,2343@compuserve.com
Keller
C
C
D006801:Humans; D017214:Laryngeal Masks; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009102:Multiple Organ Failure / Q000503:physiopathology; D010092:Oximetry / Q000379:methods*; D010477:Perfusion; D010614:Pharynx / Q000502:physiology*; D012039:Regional Blood Flow / Q000502:physiology; D012772:Shock, Septic / Q000503:physiopathology