Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 3, 2026

A Novel Rescue Technique for Difficult Intubation and Difficult Ventilation
Published on: January 17, 2011
Airway problems related to laryngeal mask airway use associated with an undiagnosed epiglottic cyst
1Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Osaka City University Medical School, Osaka, Japan.
Abstract:
This report describes airway management difficulties in a patient with an asymptomatic and undiagnosed epiglottic cyst. Mask ventilation after induction of general anesthesia was uneventful. Insertion of an LMA resulted in inadequate ventilation. Fiberoptic intubation through an intubating LMA was impossible because the LMA pushed the cyst into the laryngeal inlet. Fibreoptic intubation, assisted by the use of a direct laryngoscope without the LMA was uneventful. Preoperative craniocervical scans performed for assessment of other conditions may reveal asymptomatic pathology in the airway.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Larynx
Anatomy of the Larynx
The larynx consists of various components, including cartilage, muscles, and vocal cords. Its structure includes three large unpaired cartilages—the thyroid, cricoid, and epiglottis—and three smaller paired cartilages—the arytenoids, corniculates, and...
Trachea
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of the...
Tracheostomy Decannulation
Description of the Procedure
Decannulation refers to the permanent removal of the tracheostomy tube, signaling the resolution of the condition that initially necessitated the tracheostomy. The process requires a well-coordinated interplay between...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques

