[Effectiveness of the J-shaped LMA-holding forceps--F-forceps for LMA insertion]

F-forceps (Fukuhara's J Shaped LMA holding forceps) which enables correct laryngeal mask placement with ease was devised. Three methods using the forceps were tried in more than 1000 cases for administration of general anaesthesia. The results were compared with original Brain's method. The results were as follows; (1) Using F-forceps, success rate of proper placement without difficulties is much higher than with Brain's method, especially in F-III method with which 100% success was obtained. (2) After 7 trials, even beginners could shorten the time required for laryngeal mask placement by 10 seconds compared with their first trial. (3) Our method enables placement of the laryngeal mask without contacting patients. (4) One can master handling of the F-forceps with ease and shorten time necessary for placement of a laryngeal mask properly. (5) By applying F-II method, insertion of a laryngeal mask can be carried out without bending the patient's head. It is therefore suitable in patients with cervical vertebral injuries. F-forceps is considered to be highly useful for both anaesthesia and first aid.