Listen Now:
Follow & Subscribe:
On This Episode:
When seconds matter, preparation saves lives. Today’s case study involving a 47-year-old man with severe obesity and obstructive sleep apnea is a great example of that. When a routine EGD resulted in rapid hypoxia shortly after sedation after conventional methods failed, it was the McMurray Enhanced Airway that made all the difference. Sharon shares the experience in this episode and we invited Roxanne McMurray, DNP, CRNA, APRN, FAANA back to the show to talk about how this novel airway tool is changing the game for CRNAs.
As you’ll hear, this innovative distal pharyngeal device turned a dangerous airway event into a safe, successful recovery. We’ll unpack the clinical decisions and discuss the challenges posed by non-OR sedation with Roxanne and lean more about the inspiration behind the MEA.
Here’s some of what you’ll hear in this episode:
💡 The problem: traditional oral airways don’t reach the distal pharynx
📉 A real emergency: 47-year-old patient crashes post-sedation
💜 How the McMurray Enhanced Airway (MEA) saves the day
🛠️ Designed for today’s obese and sleep-apneic patients
💰 Life-saving innovation for under $20
Revisit our conversation about the McMurray Enhanced Airway
Will you be among the Congress attendees tackling some of today's most urgent challenges in nurse anesthesiology?
Join nurse innovator and Hackathon host Rebecca Love, RN, MSN, FIEL, along with former AANA president and Beyond the Mask podcast host Sharon Pearce, DNP, CRNA, FAANA, FAAN, and 14 expert CRNA/nurse anesthesiologist mentors for an exclusive opportunity to collaborate, compete, and create real-world solutions.
This team-based, high-energy event is free to attend — but space is limited. Only 112 seats are available. Save your seat at the AANA Hackathon.
Catch Sharon Live at the 53rd Annual Refresher Course for Nurse Anesthetists!
Join Sharon this November 14–16, 2025, at the Hilton Hotel in Walt Disney World Village, Florida, for the Frank Moya Continuing Education Program’s annual conference. She’ll be delivering four insightful talks as part of the guest faculty lineup.
Don’t miss this chance to learn, connect, and recharge—with some Disney magic on the side!
Click here for more details and to register
🎗 Beyond the Mask Podcast is honored to once again sponsor a team for the HALOS Memorial Walk on August 2nd. HALOS is a nonprofit offering hope and healing to families who’ve lost a child, including Sharon when she lost her granddaughter, Emma. This powerful organization is run by parents who truly understand. To join our team or donate, visit the support page. 💛
Important Links:
"Early intervention and appropriate tool selection can significantly improve patient outcomes and enhance patient safety."
- Roxanne McMurray, DNP, CRNA, APRN, FAANA
