European journal of anaesthesiology. Supplement
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Lateral soft-tissue radiography was used to determine the location of the Laryngeal Mask (LM) in relation to the larynx and surrounding structures in 24 elderly male patients undergoing general anaesthesia. In a majority of cases (16 of 24) the epiglottis was within the cuff of the mask but without causing discernable airway obstruction in any case. ⋯ Supplementary information was obtained in 13 patients by the use of fibre-optic endoscopy, via the lumen of the LM, confirming the inclusion of the epiglottis within the mask and demonstrating a characteristic distortion by the LM of the normal laryngeal anatomy. It is concluded that inclusion of the epiglottis within the LM is commonplace, and misplacements may occur without clinical evidence of a compromised airway.
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Eur J Anaesthesiol Suppl · Jan 1991
Biography Historical ArticleThe development of the Laryngeal Mask--a brief history of the invention, early clinical studies and experimental work from which the Laryngeal Mask evolved.
The history of the invention and development of the Laryngeal Mask in the East End of London during the years 1981-88 is briefly described. The concept evolved from home-made prototypes built from the Goldman Dental Mask through a complex series of one-off latex models culminating in a primitive factory-made silicone cuff in 1986. ⋯ From this experience a number of important lessons were learned relating to safe and effective use, which are summarized in the inventor's Instruction Manual. The importance of referring to this volume before use is stressed.
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The Laryngeal Mask (LM) can be used to intubate patients in whom conventional direct laryngoscopy is difficult. Tracheal intubation can be achieved using the LM alone but the use of a fibre-optic laryngoscope increases the chances of success.
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Eur J Anaesthesiol Suppl · Jan 1991
Endotracheal intubation through the Laryngeal Mask--helpful when laryngoscopy is difficult or dangerous.
The correctly placed Laryngeal Mask will act as a guide to endotracheal intubation in over 90% of adult patients. Although the size of tube is limited to a 6-mm-internal-diameter cuffed oral or nasal pattern tube the technique is easy to learn and can provide a rapid solution when endotracheal intubation is necessary but conventional laryngoscopy is unexpectedly difficult or dental restorations are at risk. Application of cricoid pressure reduces the success rate of the technique; therefore, if this manoeuvre is indicated to reduce the risks of regurgitation, anaesthetists are advised to arrange for its momentary relaxation during the final stages of placement of the Laryngeal Mask and of the endotracheal tube.