Objective: To assess learning of Copa (cuffed oropharyngeal airway) technique required for insertion and manual ventilation.
Study design: Open prospective clinical study.
Persons: Four staff members, two anaesthetists and two nurse anaesthetists and 74 ASA I or II patients without difficult intubation criteria presenting for minor surgery in the supine position under general anaesthesia.
Methods: After induction of anaesthesia, the Copa was inserted by each doctor and nurse in at least 16 patients and the ventilation manually assisted until spontaneous breathing resumed.
Results: The success rate of insertion at the first attempt was 97%. Therefore no learning period was required. Two laryngospasms and two episodes of cough occurred during Copa placement. Additional manipulations to optimise the ventilation were needed in 48 patients.
Conclusion: Copa is easy to use without previous training. Further studies are required to assess its side effects and the appropriate depth of anaesthesia required for its insertion.