esophageal obturator airway

airway /air·way/ (-wa)

1. the passage by which air enters and leaves the lungs.

2. a device for securing unobstructed respiration.

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esophageal obturator airway  a tube inserted into the esophagus to maintain airway patency in unconscious persons for positive-pressure ventilation through the attached face mask.

conducting airway  the upper and lower airways considered together.

laryngeal mask airway  a device for maintaining a patent airway without tracheal intubation, consisting of a tube connected to an oval inflatable cuff that seals the larynx.

lower airway  the airway from the inferior end of the larynx to the ends of the terminal bronchioles.

nasopharyngeal airway  a tube inserted through a nostril, across the floor of the nose, and through the nasopharynx so that the tongue does not block air flow in an unconscious person.

oropharyngeal airway  a tube inserted through the mouth and pharynx so that the tongue does not block air flow in an unconscious person.

Airway. Oropharyngeal airway in place.

upper airway  the airway from the nares and lips to the larynx.

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esophageal obturator airway (EOA),

an emergency device that consists of a large tube that is inserted into the mouth through an airtight face mask. Holes in the tube open into the oropharynx when properly placed. The esophagus is blocked by inflating a balloon at the end of the tube. Because of the design, air passes only into the trachea.