Esophageal perforation associated with combined use of the Thumper Resuscitator and esophageal airway.

Esophageal perforation is an uncommon but catastrophic complication of resuscitation with the esophageal obturator airway. Three cases of esophageal perforation are reported associated with combined use of an obturator airway and Thumper mechanical resuscitator. The possibility of increased risk when these devices are used together has not been previously discussed in the literature. This risk may be reduced by using lower balloon volumes, less aggressive compressor settings, and obturator airways modified for nasogastric drainage.