title: The laryngeal mask simplifies airway management during percutaneous dilational tracheostomy.
abstract: The Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) is used for many procedures which previously required endotracheal intubation. Percutaneous Dilational Tracheostomy (PCT) facilitates the bedside insertion of a tracheostomy tube in the Intensive Care Unit. Most patients requiring this procedure are intubated with a conventional endotracheal tube. Insertion of a LMA has advantages over tracheal intubation for PCT mainly because the artificial airway lies remote from the operating field. Three cases are reported to illustrate these advantages.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Lyons
authors.forename: C G
authors.initials: CG
authors.lastname: Flynn
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D017214:Laryngeal Masks; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D014139:Tracheostomy