Fastrach--a new intubating laryngeal mask airway: successful use in patients with difficult airways.

PURPOSE

The Laryngeal Mask Airway-Fastrach (Fastrach) is a new modified laryngeal mask with the capability for guided tracheal intubation while maintaining ventilation. We report the use of this device in patients with proven difficult airways, following induction of general anaesthesia.

CLINICAL FEATURES

After induction of general anaesthesia, having failed tracheal intubation with conventional laryngoscopy, the first patient's trachea was intubated via the Fastrach with fibreoptic guidance. In the second and third patients, who had documented histories of difficult tracheal intubation, tracheal intubation was performed electively with the Fastrach following induction of inhalational anaesthesia with spontaneous respiration.

CONCLUSION

The Fastrach is an option in the management of the airway following failed tracheal intubation or for elective tracheal intubation in patients with anatomically difficult airways.