CORRECT POSITIONING OF THE EPIGLOTTIS FOR APPLICATION OF THE BRAIN LARYNGEAL MASK AIRWAY

Positioning of the epiglottis when the Brain laryngeal mask airway is in place was studied in 20 adult patients, using a Hew technique of in sertion. The laryngeal mask was inserted when the anterior displacemen t of the mandible extended the epiglottis, thereby the providing an ex cellent airway in all patients. in 10 out of these 20 patients, the co nventional technique of insertion revealed an incomplete extension of the epiglottis, and inadequate opening of the laryngeal inlet. It was concluded that the anterior displacement of the mandible during insert ion of the laryngeal mask enhances the opening of the larynx, the resu lt being an excellent airway.