Laryngeal mask airway for therapeutic fiberoptic bronchoscopic procedures.

These cases illustrate the advantages of the laryngeal mask as compared with an endotracheal tube or oxygen face mask for selected patients undergoing therapeutic bronchoscopic procedures. The advantages include a larger internal diameter allowing easier passage of instruments, reduced work of breathing, lack of discomfort associated with insertion, access to the vocal cords and upper trachea unimpeded by the presence of an endotracheal tube, and capnographic and volume monitoring of respiration. The LMA is thus a valuable alternative for airway management in pulmonary compromised patients undergoing therapeutic bronchoscopic procedures.