Brain laryngeal mask--study in 50 spontaneously breathing patients

Brain laryngeal mask (BLM) was used to assess its suitability in 50 spontaneously breathing patients by one lecturer and 4 Medical Officers. Insertion of the laryngeal mask was successful at the first attempt in 42 patients, second attempt in 7 and third attempt in one. The incidence of airway obstruction secondary to downfolding of the epiglottis, which was corrected by reinsertion, was 16%. Post-operative complications included clenching of teeth in 5 patients, vomiting in 2 and excessive salivation in 3. The incidence of sore throat was 10%.