Intubation via the LMA using a Cook retrograde intubation kit.
OBJECTIVE
We report two cases of difficult intubation where a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) was used and changed to a conventional endotracheal tube using a retrograde intubation set.


RESULTS
In two patients, following induction of anaesthesia, the trachea could not be intubated in the conventional fashion with a blade. In both patients an LMA was inserted to achieve an airway. In both patients intubation with a conventional endotracheal tube was required. A Cook Retrograde Intubation Kit and fibreoptic bronchoscope were used to change the LMA to conventional endotracheal tube without problems.


CONCLUSIONS
The Cook retrograde intubation allows an LMA to be replaced with an endotracheal tube with an ID greater than 6 mm with a #3 or 7 mm with a #5 LMA. This technique places an exchange stylet into the airway which is superior to a conventional guidewire. This method allows the airway to be maintained until the LMA is exchanged with an endotracheal tube. Anaesthesia may be maintained and the airway instrumented without difficulty using this technique.
Arndt
G A
GA
Department of Anesthesiology, University of Wisconsin Medical School, Madison 53792-3272, USA. gaarndt@facstaff.wisc.edu
Topp
J
J
Hannah
J
J
McDowell
T S
TS
Lesko
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000769:Anesthesia, Inhalation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D007669:Kidney Calculi / Q000601:surgery; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000601:surgery; D017214:Laryngeal Masks; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009392:Nephrectomy