Esophageal intubation and airway management system and method

An esophageal intubation system includes a main tube with a tapered body, proximal and distal ends and a bore extending between and open at the ends. The main tube is inserted into the oropharynx and its distal end extends into the upper esophagus in order to provide a conduit for esophagoscopes, gastroscopes and related diagnostic and treatment equipment. A first auxiliary tube assembly delivers O2 close to the larynx. A second ancillary tube assembly samples CO2 from the larynx region. An esophageal intubation method includes the steps of moderately sedating a patient, placing a main esophageal tube in the oropharynx and partway into the upper esophagus, passing an esophagoscope or a gastroscope through the main tube and into the esophagus or stomach while minimizing the gag reflex, delivering O2 and sampling CO2 from the pharynx region.