Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 26, 2026

The Flexible Rhino-Laryngoscope for Awake Nasotracheal Intubation
Published on: August 2, 2024
[Anesthetic management for laryngoscopic evaluation of upper airway stenosis using our modified endoscopic mask]
Yuki Sato1, Yoshiko Namatame, Takaaki Miwa
1Department of Anesthesiology, Kanagawa Children's Medical Center, Yokohama 232-0066.
Insights
A modified endoscopy mask using a rubber dam provides a leak-free seal for flexible laryngoscopy in children. This innovation facilitates airway evaluation and emergent intubation in young patients with respiratory distress.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Airway Management
- Medical Device Innovation
Background:
- Flexible laryngoscopy in young children poses risks of hypoxemia and hypercapnia due to airway anatomy.
- Evaluating upper airway stenosis in pediatric patients requires specialized techniques.
Observation:
- A 5-year-old girl presented with retractive inspiratory breathing, indicative of potential upper airway stenosis.
- A modified endoscopy mask was developed, replacing the standard port with a disposable rubber dam for a leak-free seal.
Findings:
- The modified mask enabled leak-free nasal and oral endoscopy, including emergent endoscopic intubation.
- Diagnostic endoscopy for laryngomalacia and evaluation of arytenoid infolding were successfully performed under spontaneous ventilation with 100% oxygen.
Implications:
- This modified mask technique offers a safer and more effective approach to airway endoscopy in pediatric patients.
- The device facilitates precise diagnosis and management of upper airway conditions in children, improving patient outcomes.
Abstract:
Young children are at increased risk for hypoxaemia and hypercapnea during flexible laryngoscopy due to the small size and increased collapsibility of their airways. To evaluate upper airway stenosis of a 5-year-old girl presenting with retractive inspiratory breathing, we developed a modified endoscopy mask consisting of a regular face mask where the original port for endoscope was replaced by a disposable rubber dam. This setting allows a leak-free passage of both nasal and oral endoscopy and enables emergent endoscopic intubation through a small hole of a rubber dam. Using this airtightly sealed modified mask, we successfully managed diagnostic endoscopy of laryngomalacia and evaluated infolding of arytenoids under spontaneous ventilation with 100% oxygen.
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