BACKGROUND: The difficult airway remains a challenge especially in emergencies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The use of laryngeal tube suction in 8 cases involving difficult airways in emergencies was reviewed. RESULTS: Use of the laryngeal tube was successful in all cases to bridge patients until a secure airway was established; insertions were successful at the first attempt and classified as easy. In 6 out of 8 patients a secure airway was established by cricothyreotomy or by surgical tracheotomy while using the laryngeal tube for oxygenation and ventilation of the patient. CONCLUSION: The laryngeal tube allows rapid oxygenation in emergency patients with a difficult airway until a secure airway can be established. In cases of potentially life saving operations successful ventilation via the laryngeal tube might allow the priority of establishing a secure airway to be deferred.
BACKGROUND: The difficult airway remains a challenge especially in emergencies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The use of laryngeal tube suction in 8 cases involving difficult airways in emergencies was reviewed. RESULTS: Use of the laryngeal tube was successful in all cases to bridge patients until a secure airway was established; insertions were successful at the first attempt and classified as easy. In 6 out of 8 patients a secure airway was established by cricothyreotomy or by surgical tracheotomy while using the laryngeal tube for oxygenation and ventilation of the patient. CONCLUSION: The laryngeal tube allows rapid oxygenation in emergency patients with a difficult airway until a secure airway can be established. In cases of potentially life saving operations successful ventilation via the laryngeal tube might allow the priority of establishing a secure airway to be deferred.
Authors: M Winterhalter; K Kirchhoff; W Gröschel; E Lüllwitz; R Heermann; L Hoy; J Heine; C Hagberg; S Piepenbrock Journal: Eur J Anaesthesiol Date: 2005-09 Impact factor: 4.330
Authors: J Honold; J Hodrius; T Schwietz; P Bushoven; A M Zeiher; S Fichtlscherer; F H Seeger Journal: Med Klin Intensivmed Notfmed Date: 2015-04-08 Impact factor: 0.840