Feasibility of Obtaining Pulse Oximetry Readings From the Oropharynx

This is a prospective study to evaluate the feasibility of obtaining a pulse oximetry ready from the oropharynx with a standard oximeter probe that has been attached to an oral airway or a tongue blade. The study will compare the values from the peripheral pulse oximeter on a finger, toe, foot or hand with the that from the oropharyngeal oximeter. The study will also compare the saturation from an arterial blood gas (ABG) collected as standard of care with that obtained from the oropharyngeal oximeter.

Inclusion Criteria:Patients undergoing a surgical procedure with general anesthesia and requiring an invasive arterial cannulaExclusion Criteria:Patients in whom an arterial cannula is not indicated for the surgical procedurePatients in whom a peripheral pulse oximeter value cannot be obtainedPatients in whom an invasive arterial cannula cannot be placedPatients with any type of intra-oral pathology or injuryPatients in whom access to the oropharynx is restricted or not feasible for any clinical reason