Der Anaesthesist
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Perioperative, mostly silent ischaemia in patients with coronary heart disease is difficult to detect by clinical examinations. ⋯ Perioperative Holter ECG monitoring is time-consuming, expensive, not very sensitive, and therefore not generally applicable for all patients with prior MI.
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In cases of craniofacial and mandibulofacial malformations, which are mostly treated during childhood, difficult intubation conditions must generally be expected. In such cases, the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) an alternative instrument for use in endotracheal intubation is a new aid for ventilation. In certain instances, it can be used alone to induce general anaesthesia. Reports of endotracheal intubation by means of the LMA in adults have also been published. ⋯ Therefore, the LMA is not only a ventilation aid, but also a valuable tool in difficult intubation conditions. In our opinion, it is necessary to provide this tool in every anaesthetic unit.