Tracheal intubation through the laryngeal mask airway using a gum elastic bougie: the effect of head position.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of head position on success of tracheal intubation through a Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) using a gum elastic bougie.


METHODS
Randomized, controlled study.


METHODS
Anesthesia and operating rooms of the University Hospital, Nottingham, UK.


METHODS
20 patients scheduled to undergo routine elective surgery requiring the use of an LMA for anesthesia.


METHODS
Blind placement of a gum elastic bougie through an LMA in two head positions.


RESULTS
Final position of the gum elastic bougie after removal of the LMA as determined by fiberoptic laryngoscopy. The gum elastic bougie was correctly sited in the trachea in the classical intubating position in 4/20 (20%) and in the neutral position in 0/20 (0%). There was no difference in the success of this technique between the two head positions.


CONCLUSIONS
This technique cannot be recommended as an alternative to direct laryngoscopy following a failed intubation.
Ahmed
A B
AB
Department of Anaesthesia, University Hospital, Queen's Medical Centre, Nottingham NG7 2UH, United Kingdom.
Nathanson
M H
MH
Gajraj
N M
NM
D006257:Head; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D017214:Laryngeal Masks; D011187:Posture