An evaluation of the flexiguide introducer with the flexible laryngeal mask airway.
Insertion of the flexible Laryngeal Mask Airway has been achieved by a variety of techniques. We have evaluated the Flexiguide for aiding introduction of a flexible Laryngeal Mask Airway in 100 anaesthetised patients. We were successful in establishing a clear airway on the first attempt on 84 (84%) occasions and within two attempts in 97 (97%). The positioning of the laryngeal mask airway was assessed by five measures and was optimally placed in 85% of cases and good in 96%. A clear airway was achieved in 92% of cases. Insertion of the flexible Laryngeal Mask Airway with the Flexiguide was easy in 82 (82%) and slightly difficult in 15 (15%) of cases. Removal of the Flexiguide from the device was easy in 95 (95%) of cases. Airway manoeuvres were used to assist airway placement in 55% of cases with jaw thrust being most common. Minor complications occurred in three (3%) patients: two coughed and one experienced minor tissue trauma during mask insertion. There were no complications associated with use of the Flexiguide during the procedure or after anaesthesia. The Flexiguide is a useful tool to assist insertion of the flexible Laryngeal Mask Airway and is associated with few complications.
Cook
T M
TM
Department of Anaesthesia, Royal United Hospital, Combe Park, Bath BA1 3NG, England, United Kingdom.
Ford
P
P
Craft
T M
TM
McCormick
B
B
Ryder
S A
SA
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D017214:Laryngeal Masks / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged