An unanticipated complication of a novel approach to airway management.
BACKGROUND
The King LT (King Systems Corporation, Noblesville, IN) is a rescue airway device that is gaining favor in the pre-hospital setting. Unlike other rescue airway devices, such as intubating laryngeal mask airways, the King LT does not allow for the placement of an endotracheal tube through the device. Emergency physicians who receive patients with the King LT in place will be presented with the challenge of converting to a definitive airway.


METHODS
We attempted a strategy that would allow for conversion from the King LT to the endotracheal tube using a gum elastic bougie. During an airway skills maintenance session utilizing non-embalmed cadavers, Emergency Medicine faculty attempted to convert a King LT to an endotracheal tube using a gum elastic bougie.


RESULTS
The technique was not successful, and in fact, resulted in an unanticipated complication.


CONCLUSIONS
We cannot recommend using the gum elastic bougie as an aid to convert the King LT to an endotracheal intubation based on our experience with a non-embalmed cadaver.
Lutes
Michael
M
Department of Emergency of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53226, USA.
Worman
Daniel J
DJ
D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004867:Equipment Design; D004868:Equipment Failure; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects*; D017214:Laryngeal Masks