MEA DPA Hypoxic Event Reductions

This prospective RCT will study adult patients who are determined to be at high risk for deoxygenation events during induction of general anesthesia. The study will randomize patients for use of a novel airway device (distal pharyngeal airway) versus standard oral pharyngeal airway during general anesthetic induction and measure differences in severity and duration of desaturation (hypoxic) events. The premise is the new novel device will reduce hypoxic events, improving patient safety and reducing airway complications. This is critically important as hypoxic events can have significant consequences. Providing a device that minimizes hypoxic events could impact patient safety positively. Additional measurements will include reduction in unanticipated patient admissions from airway complications with DPA use.