Use of the laryngeal mask airway after oesophageal intubation.
We have compared insertion of a tracheal tube and laryngeal mask airway (LMA) both with and without the presence of a tube in the oesophagus in 20 ASA I and II patients undergoing elective laparoscopy. After induction of anaesthesia and neuromuscular block, we measured the times for an experienced anaesthetist to correctly position both an LMA and a tracheal tube with and without a tube in the oesophagus. The time to intubation was significantly less with the LMA than with the tracheal tube, both with and without an oesophageal tube in place (P < 0.05). We conclude that if a tracheal tube is placed unintentionally in the oesophagus, an LMA may be used subsequently to provide rapid and effective oxygenation of the patient.
Pace
N A
NA
Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Management, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9068.
Gajraj
N M
NM
Pennant
J H
JH
Victory
R A
RA
Johnson
E R
ER
White
P F
PF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004868:Equipment Failure; D004947:Esophagus; D006801:Humans; D007440:Intubation; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D017214:Laryngeal Masks; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors