[Usefulness of the VBM laryngeal tube in anesthesiology]

The laryngeal tube, an effective new device for rapid airway management, allows the caregiver to intubate without a direct laryngoscopic view of the oropharynx and larynx.

To evaluate the clinical performance of the laryngeal tube in terms of efficacy of the seal against gastric content reflux and for ventilating patients requiring elevated ventilatory pressures because of high respiratory resistance.

Sixty patients (32 women, 28 men; mean age 48 +/- 20 y) requiring surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled. We monitored oxygenation and ventilation and evaluated ease of laryngeal tube placement, the occurrence of regurgitation and whether or not gastric contents reached the airway.

The laryngeal tube was easy to insert and insertion was possible on the first try for 48 of the 60 patients (80%). Repositioning to permit optimal ventilation was necessary for 8 patients (13.3%), the tube had to be removed and re-inserted for 2 patients (3.3%), and ventilation through the laryngeal tube was impossible for 2 (3.3%). Oxygenation and ventilation were adequate in all cases in which the laryngeal tube could be inserted. Regurgitation was observed in 3 patients (5%), but the seal remained closed in all cases.

A laryngeal tube is an effective way to establish airway access. It is easy to insert and in all cases allows for adequate oxygenation and ventilation and prevents gastric contents from reaching the airway.