[Use of the pentax-AWS in a patient with Cormack 3a difficult airway].

Pentax-AWS (AWS) (Pentax, Japan) is a rigid video laryngoscope with built-in 2.4 inch color CCD monitor paired with a disposal blade. It is developed for management of both normal and difficult airways. We used AWS in a 68-year-old male patient with known (Cormack grade 3a) difficult airway. Patient was sedated with fentanyl and midazolam to the level of Ramsay score 3. Patient's oral cavity was sprayed with 8% lidocaine. ETT placed on side channel of the AWS was connected to respiratory circuit via Bodai suction safe connector. Oxygen 6 l x min(-1) was adminisitered to prevent both desaturation of patient and fogging of blade during intubation procedure. Excessive saliva in the oropharynx was effectively removed with 14 Fr suction catheter through ETT via Bodai suction safe connector". Visualization of the patient's vocal cords was achieved easily (with POGO score 70%). The AWS's suction channel was alternatively used for topical anesthesia route with 10 Fr suction tube, and 4% lidocaine was injected onto the vocal cords. Tracheal intubation was successful uneventfully, and the patient's airway was secured without any postoperative complication.