In this episode of The Nurse Anesthesia Podcast, Jeremy talks with Roxane McMurray, DNP, CRNA, APRN who is the creator of the McMurray Enhanced Airway (MEA). The MEA is in a new airway device classification known as “Distal Pharyngeal Airways” or DPAs. Her innovative device is placed orally to help maintain a patent airway in patients who are at risk for upper airway obstruction while under anesthesia or even during airway emergencies. 

The MEA facilitates ventilation in several airway management situations and solves many of the problems we encounter with basic airway devices such as oral pharyngeal airways (OPAs) and nasal pharyngeal airways (NPAs), by being better positioned at the junction of the oro- and hypo-pharyngeal space or distal pharyngeal space…thus bypassing the areas that cause upper airway obstruction. 

Roxanne has reimagined basic airway management. Her device is being used in critical care areas, EMS, and in anesthesia for monitored anesthesia care cases and difficult airway management situations. If you have not heard of the McMurray Enhanced Airway, and even for those who have…this is a must listen!

References

1.    For more information about the McMurray Airway: https://www.mcmurraymed.com/ 

3.    Daniel C, Feeney M, Gordon L. A New Distal Pharyngeal Airway Device Associated with a Reduced Need for Chin-Lift and Jaw-Thrust Maneuvers in Sedated Patients. AANA J. 2024 Apr;92(2):115-120. PMID: 38564207.

4.    DuCanto J. Sudden Hypoxemia in GI Procedure Relieved by a New Distal Pharyngeal Airway (DPA): Case Report. Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF). 2023 Jul16. https://www.apsf.org/article/sudden-hypoxemia-in-gi-procedure-relieved-by-a-new-distal-pharyngeal-airway-dpa-case-report/

5.    McMurray R, Becker L, Olsen KF, McMurray M. Airway Management for Deep Sedation: Current Practice, Limitations, and Needs as Identified by Clinical Observation and Survey Results. AANA J. 2020 Apr;88(2):123-129. PMID: 32234203.

6.    McMurray RR, McMurray MR. Introducing the First Distal Pharyngeal Airway. A A Pract. 2023;17(6):e01691. Published 2023 Jun 19. doi:10.1213/XAA.0000000000001691

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The Nurse Anesthesia Podcastis for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical. We continuously strive for accuracy, however, medicine is constantly evolving, and clinical decisions should always be made based on current guidelines, institutional policies, and individual patient considerations. The views expressed are those of the hosts and guests, and Do NOT necessarily reflect the opinions of any affiliated institutions. Listeners should consult their own healthcare providers before making any medical decisions. 

Music by Alex Grohl