Esophageal perforation following use of esophageal airway.

The esophageal airway has gained increasing acceptance in airway management during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and its enthusiastic advocates are urging expansion of its use. A fatal case of esophageal perforation following the use of an esophageal airway is presented. Possible contributing factors are discussed. A modified esophageal airway which seems safer and more versatile, effective, and economic is described.