Right Chest Compression for Supplemental Assessment of Laryngeal Mask Airway and Endotracheal Tube Positioning and Functionality

The described supplemental airway management technique rapidly facilitates the assessment of proper positioning and functionality of a laryngeal mask airway or traditional endotracheal tube without the need of specialized equipment, such as a positive pressure gas-delivery device, stethoscope, capnograph, or pulse oximeter. The technique also avoids the risk of filling the stomach with gas. After airway placement, the assessor compresses the right upper chest with the heel of the hand, and—with the proximal end of the airway device held to the ear—functionality of the device–patient unit is appreciated primarily by sound and secondarily by airflow against the assessor’s skin.