A new positioning device, the Rapid Airway Management Positioner (RAMP, Airpal Inc., Center Valley, PA) was evaluated to determine
if there was an improvement in either mask ventilation, direct laryngoscopy, or both with the use of the RAMP in this patient
population. Fifty-one morbidly obese patients (BMI > 35 kg/m2) undergoing elective bariatric surgery were enrolled. Ventilation and laryngoscopy was performed in the neutral and head-elevated
laryngoscopy position (HELP). Direct laryngoscopy was performed noting the glottic view according to the Cormack–Lehane classification
(Samsoon and Young, Anesthesiology 42:487, 1987). Mask ventilation was then recommenced. The HELP, or “ramped,” position was
achieved by inflating the RAMP, which was placed underneath the patient prior to entering the OR. Once proper HELP position
was achieved, a second laryngoscopy was performed followed by endotracheal intubation. Two main outcomes were noted in the
neutral and HELP positions: (1) laryngoscopic view and (2) ease of ventilation. The inflated ramped position provided greater
ease of ventilation as compared to the neutral position (p = 0.0003). There was also a significant improvement in the glottic view in the ramped position (p = 0.04). Ease of intubation was perceived to be severely difficult among two, and overall use of the positioning device was
found to be difficult among seven of the residents. The RAMP effectively positions morbidly obese patients in the HELP position.
Ease of ventilation and laryngoscopic view were both improved with its use in this patient population.
Keywords Morbid obesity - Anesthesia - Airway - Positioning - Laryngoscopy - Intubation - RAMP - HELP - Ventilation
All works are attributed to The University of Texas at Houston Medical School Department of Anesthesiology.