title: The laryngeal mask airway and the tracheal route for drug administration.
abstract: We undertook a study to observe if a preformed curved plastic cannula, the Trachojet, could be passed blindly down a laryngeal mask airway into the trachea in 100 anaesthetized patients. Using air aspiration and a fibreoptic scope to confirm placement of the cannula, it passed into the trachea in only 27% of patients. The air aspiration technique used for detecting tracheal cannulation was 100% successful when the cannula was inserted fully. We conclude that it may not be possible to gain access to the trachea with a Trachojet for drug administration if a laryngeal mask airway is used to maintain the patient's airway.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthetics, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, Portsmouth.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Alexander
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Swales
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Pickford
authors.forename: G B
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D016887:Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D017214:Laryngeal Masks; D008875:Middle Aged