Abstract
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.
Résumé
Objectif
Le masque laryngé — Fastrach® est un nouveau masque laryngé modifié qui permet l’intubation trachéale guidée tout en maintenant la ventilation. Nous rapportons son usage après l’induction de l’anesthésie, chez des patients présentant des voies aériennes difficiles connues.
Aspects cliniques
Après induction de l’anesthésie et après échec d’intubation avec la laryngoscopie conventionnelle, le premier patient a été intubé avec fibroscopie via le Fastrach. Chez les deux patients suivants, qui présentaient une histoire d’intubation difficile, l’intubation fut réalisée de façon élective à l’aide du Fastrach suite à une induction par inhalation de l’anesthésie avec maintien de la respiration spontanée.
Conclusion
Le Fastrach représente une option dans la prise en charge des voies aériennes suite à une intubation impossible ou pour l’intubation trachéale élective des patients présentant des difficultés anatomiques.
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Joo, H., Rose, K. Fastrach — a new intubating laryngeal mask airway: successful use in patients with difficult airways. Can J Anaesth 45, 253–256 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03012911
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03012911