Frequently Asked Questions

With advances in minimally invasive techniques, surgeries are transitioning from general anesthesia to sedation. The complex non-OR Anesthesia (NORA) procedures require higher FiO₂ to prevent hypoxic interruptions. AIM's unique pharyngeal oxygenation delivers 96% and higher FiO₂ near the tracheal inlet, far exceeding traditional devices.

Even though conventional devices use 100% oxygen, exhaled air in the oral cavity and sinuses dilutes oxygen delivery. AIM's pharyngeal oxygenation bypasses the mouth and sinuses. A study at the Baylor University Medical Center confirms pharyngeal oxygenation is superior to high-flow nasal cannulas. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38174013/).

This approach works for low-risk patients. However, oral airways are poorly tolerated by awake patients. Sedating a high-risk patient without optimal pre-oxygenation risks preventable desaturation. Additionally, an oral airway cannot be used in the recovery room for patients requiring supplemental oxygenation. AIM is non-gag inducing and can be used from pre-oxygenation all the way through the recovery room.

AIM's integrated bite block allows full oral cavity access with the following benefits.

• AIM allows atraumatic EGD and TEE scope placement. Compare this to the traditional approach of scope placement through the small opening of a common bite block and navigating blindly into the esophagus, which may cause throat injuries and discharge delays.
• With AIM you can perform a single-step airway placement for upper airway obstruction, without removing the oxygen source or prying the jaw open.
• Access while using AIM allows effective suctioning using the Yankauer suction.
• AIM eliminates the need for the pink-airway for awake fiberoptic intubation, lowering patient anxiety.

If a high-risk case requires immediate conversion to GA, the traditional method requires removing the oxygen device, asking someone to hold the circuit mask while administering induction drugs, opening the mouth, and securing the airway, all of which interrupts oxygenation, distracts staff, and causes delays.

With AIM, nothing is removed. Increase the oxygen flow (pharyngeal pre-oxygenation), administer induction drugs, and secure the airway through the open mouth, all done single handedly without anyone's assistance.

Yes, the oxygen connector of AIM connects to the oxygen outlets in the OR or to oxygen tanks. AIM's capnography port is compatible with OR capnography equipment. For hospitals using the capnography machine with an orange (gold plated) port, adapters can be purchased through a third-party or we can source them for you. Please contact us.

The beauty of AIM is in its simplicity! AIM is placed and connected in under one minute by any trained anesthesia provider. The workflow mirrors a standard bite block: connect the oxygen supply and CO₂ sampling lines, then insert intraorally. See the IFU for full details.

Yes. AIM is MRI Safe and cleared for use in MRI suite environments, including sedated scans and interventional MRI procedures. No metal components are present that would create a safety hazard in the MRI environment.

Yes. AIM has received FDA clearance for commercialization as a Class II medical device.

Yes. AIM is protected by multiple U.S. patents.

Yes. AIM supports capnography monitoring, aligning with ASA sedation safety recommendations.

Yes. AIM eliminates the need for endoscopy and TEE bite blocks and awake fiberoptic intubation airways in many cases.

Yes. By reducing hypoxic events and airway rescue interventions, AIM can reduce adverse events and related costs.

ROI is driven by:

• Reduced hypoxia-related complications
• Reduced procedure interruptions
• Reduced disposable device usage
• Improved procedural efficiency

Contact us and we can help you through these conversations with your committee.

Yes. Fewer interruptions and airway interventions improve procedural efficiency.

Yes. Improved airway monitoring and oxygenation reduce preventable hypoxic events. AIM may also lower the risk of airway fires.