An alternative method to intubate with laryngeal mask and see-through-bougie

Different ways of managing the difficult airway is an important issue for the anaesthetist. We have investigated a technique with a see-through-bougie and laryngeal mask for intubation.

We report our experience with intubation of 30 patients using a see-through-bougie guided through a laryngeal mask with a fibreoptic bronchoscope. The bougie is then used as a guidance for a tracheal tube.

In 29 of the 30 investigated patients, this method could be used. In one patient the method had to be abandoned because of a tortuous trachea. Seventeen patients were intubated within 2 min, 11 between 2 and 5 min and 1 required 10 min. The time was mainly dependent on the endoscopic experience of the anaesthetist. No patient sustained arterial desaturation.

We conclude that intubation using a see-through-bougie and a laryngeal mask is a valuable method in the difficult intubation situation, when a temporary airway can be achieved with laryngeal mask, since it permits continuous ventilation and visual control throughout the procedure.