Fibreoptic views through the laryngeal mask and the intubating laryngeal mask

Background and objective The intubating laryngeal mask (intubating laryngea l mask airway) was designed to facilitate blind intubation. Its value as an adjunct to fibreoptic laryngoscopy has not been evaluated. This study comp ares the intubating laryngeal mask airway with the standard laryngeal mask airway as conduits for fibreoptic laryngoscopy. Methods The fibreoptic view of the laryngeal inlet was graded via both devi ces in 60 anaesthetized patients. The fibreoptic view through the intubatin g laryngeal mask airway was assessed after the central epiglottic elevator bar had been lifted out of the field of vision by an 8-mm Euromedical(R) tr acheal tube, which was inserted to a depth of 18 cm. The fibreoptic view fr om the aperture bars of the laryngeal mask was recorded. Results The vocal cords were viewed less frequently through the intubating laryngeal mask airway (52%) than through the laryngeal mask airway (92%) [d ifference = 40% (95% CI = 26% to 54%), P< 0.0001]. Conclusion The view of the laryngeal inlet is better through the laryngeal mask airway than through a tracheal tube inserted to 18 cm in the intubatin g laryngeal mask.