López-Jiménez FA, Morales-Cuevas JM, Alvarado-Ramos JG, Mondragón-Villanueva ME

Language: Spanish
References: 6
Page: 26-31
PDF size: 131.30 Kb.

ABSTRACT

Introduction: The laryngeal mask airway serves to provide an airway during general anesthesia and recently as a conduit for tracheal intubation in patients with difficult airway and cervical spine injuries. Methods: 27 patients with difficult airway and cervical spine injuries were intubated using a C-trach laryngeal mask; all underwent balanced general anesthesia. The time required for intubation, number of intubation attempts, image quality, and adequate ventilation were registered. Results: 100% of patients were intubated, the ventilation was adequate in 96.2% (26 patients); the intubation was successful at the first attempt on 77.8%, at the second attempt in 7.4% and at the third attempt in 14.8%. The average time for intubation was 96.59" and the image quality was appropriate in 70.3% of patients. Conclusion: Intubation via C-trach laryngeal mask is a suitable alternative to the currently used techniques of airway management in patients with difficult airway and with cervical spine injuries; it reduces movements of the cervical spine, the speed of intubation is fast and ventilation-oxygenation is possible throughout the intubation procedure.

REFERENCES

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