A novel nasopharyngeal airway set-Nasal Pharyngeal Set-flexible

Many patients, such as those who are obese, are prone to hypoxia during anaesthesia induction, painless gastroenteroscopy, and ICU sedation, which can lead to severe organ damage [1]. The traditional nasopharyngeal airway can effectively alleviate this problem, but it also introduces complications such as epistaxis [2]. NaPS^flex (Nasal Pharyngeal Set-flexible) is a novel nasopharyngeal airway set developed by our team, designed to address difficult airways safely and simply. It has been registered as a medical device in China (Zhejiang Medical Device Registration Approval No. 20232081212). 

NaPS^flex consists of a reinforced catheter, a spring core, a restrictive nose plug, and an adapter (Figure 1). The reinforced catheter has small holes underneath for ventilation. With an outer diameter of only 4 mm, it prevents nasopharyngeal compression damage during catheter retention. The catheter is made of a flexible material to reduce the risk of nasal mucosa abrasion. The spring core is flexible, allowing easy access to the nasopharyngeal lumen. The restrictive nose plug regulates the catheter’s depth into the nasal cavity and helps secure it in place. Additionally, the catheter can be connected to either a nasal cannula or an anaesthesia machine’s breathing line via the adapter for oxygenation.

Author contributions: Zui Zou conceived the original idea and supervised the project. Chenglong Zhu wrote the manuscript. Wenyun Xu helped shape the manuscript. All authors contributed to the article.