Use of the laryngeal mask airway in air transport when intubation fails.

BACKGROUND

A prospective, nonrandomized cohort study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) for management of the difficult airway in patients requiring air transport.

METHODS

The LMA was inserted in those patients who could not be successfully intubated. Data were collected to evaluate the effectiveness of the LMA and to document any complications attributed to its use.

RESULTS

Inclusion criteria were met in 17 of the 25 patients receiving an LMA. The device was inserted successfully in 16 of 17 of the patients (94%). In-flight oxygen saturation ranged from 97 to 100%, and end-tidal carbon dioxide ranged from 24 to 35 mm Hg. At arrival, initial arterial blood gas values indicated adequate oxygenation in all patients and adequate ventilation in 15 of 16 patients (94%). There was no evidence of complications.

CONCLUSION

Our patient data show that when conventional methods have failed, the LMA can be safely, rapidly, and effectively used for temporary airway control.