Use of the intubating laryngeal mask airway to facilitate awake orotracheal intubation in patients with cervical spine disorders.

Airway management in patients with unstable cervical spines remains a challenge for anesthesia providers. Because neurologic evaluations may be required following tracheal intubation and positioning for the surgical procedure, an awake intubation technique is desirable in this patient population. In this report, we describe the use of an intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) to facilitate awake tracheal intubation in two patients with cervical spine disorders. After topical local analgesia, the ILMA was inserted easily, and a tracheal tube was passed through the glottic opening without complications. Thus, the ILMA may be an acceptable alternative to the fiberoptic bronchoscope for awake tracheal intubation.     

The intubating laryngeal mask airway after induction of general anesthesia versus awake fiberoptic intubation in patients with difficult airways

We performed the current study to compare tracheal intubation (TI) using awake fiberoptic intubation (AFOI) and TI using the intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) in patients with difficult airway. Our hypothesis was that patients with difficult airways could be safely intubated after induction of anesthesia using the ILMA. After ethics approval and informed consent, 38 patients who were identified to have difficult airways were randomly assigned to AFOI or TI using the ILMA. Patients in the AFOI group had the usual sedation and airway topicalization. Patients in the ILMA group were induced with propofol for ILMA insertion and succinylcholine for TI. The first TI attempt was done blindly via the ILMA and all subsequent attempts were performed with fiberoptic guidance. All patients in the ILMA group were successfully ventilated. Successful TI was achieved in all patients in both groups. However, in 10% of the patients in the ILMA group, TI was achieved by a second anesthesiologist who was more experienced with the use of the ILMA. In a postoperative questionnaire, patients in the ILMA group were more satisfied with their method of TI (P < 0.01). The ILMA is a useful device in the management of patients with difficult airways and may be a valuable alternative to AFOI when AFOI is contraindicated or in the patient with the unanticipated difficult airway. IMPLICATIONS: The intubating laryngeal mask airway is a useful device in the management of patients with difficult airways and may be a valuable alternative to awake fiberoptic intubation (AFOI) when AFOI is contraindicated or in the patient with the unanticipated difficult airway.     

Elective oral tracheal intubation in cervical spine-injured adults

There is controversy regarding the optimal mode of elective tracheal intubation in the patient with an unstable cervical spine following trauma. A ten-year review of 150 patients with traumatic cervical spine injuries with well-preserved neurological function, presenting for operative stabilization, was conducted to compare neurological outcome with the mode of tracheal intubation. Preoperative neurological deficits were identified in 49 patients (33%); most were single-level radiculopathies. Intubation occurred after induction of general anaesthesia in 83 patients (55%) and in 67 patients (45%) the tracheas were intubated with the patient awake. One hundred and six patients (71%) underwent oral tracheal intubation and 44 underwent nasal tracheal intubation. Ten intubations were deemed to be difficult requiring more than one attempt to effect intubation. Cervical spine immobilization during intubation was documented in 86 patients (57%). Weighted traction or manual in-line traction were the two manoeuvres most commonly employed to maintain spinal alignment during intubation. After surgery, two patients had new neurological deficits. There were no differences in neurological outcome whether intubation was performed while the patient was awake or under general anaesthesia, or comparing oral tracheal intubation with all other techniques (P = 0.5, Fisher exact test). Also, in-line traction did not affect neurological outcome. Oral tracheal intubation with in-line stabilization, either performed after induction of general anaesthesia or with the patient awake, remains an excellent option for elective airway management in patients with cervical spine injuries.     

A modified method for intubation of a patient with ankylosing spondylitis using intubating laryngeal mask airway (LMA-Fastrach)--a case report

We present an instance of successful use of an intubating laryngeal mask airway (LMA-Fastrach) and a Cook airway exchanger (CAE) for ventilation and intubation in a patient with severe ankylosing spondilitis (AS) receiving total hip arthroplasty. This measure may serve as an effective alternative for airway management in patients with difficult airway. A 61-year-old male was scheduled for right total hip arthroplasty because of degenerative osteoarthritis. He had been suffering from extensive ankylosing spondylitis, with the cervical spine markedly fixed in anterior flexion. Besides he could not open his mouth widely (35 mm when fully open) also because of ankylosis of jaw. Although we advised an awake fiberoptic tracheal intubation for anesthesia but he refused owing to a previous painful experience. After induction of anesthesia with glycopyrrolate, fentanyl, thiamylal sodium and succinylcholine, we inserted a # 5 Fastrach ILMA for primary airway maintenance. Then through the lumen of the ILMA we introduced the CAE as a guide for endotracheal tube (ETT) intubation. After applying the RAPI-FIT adapter to the CAE, we connected it to the capnography monitor for the confirmation of airway. We finally inserted an endotracheal tube into the trachea using the CAE as a guide. The whole procedure was uneventful and smooth. In sum, the modified Fastrach intubation method may facilitate tracheal intubation in patients with severe ankylosing spondilitis. It may be an alternative way for successful airway management in patients with difficult airway.     

Intubating laryngeal mask airway in morbidly obese and lean patients: a comparative study

BACKGROUND: The intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) was designed using the characteristics of healthy-weight subjects but was shown to be an effective airway device in morbidly obese patients. The authors compared airway management quality in morbidly obese and lean patients with use of the ILMA. METHODS: Fifty morbidly obese and 50 lean patients (mean body mass indexes, 42 and 27 kg/m, respectively) were enrolled in this prospective study. After induction of general anesthesia, characteristics of airway management were judged on safety and efficiency parameters, including success rate at ventilation and intubation and airway management quality criteria, such as the number of patients who required adjustment maneuvers, the number of failed tracheal intubation attempts, the total duration of airway management, and an overall difficulty visual analog scale score. RESULTS: The ILMA was successfully inserted and adequate ventilation through the ILMA was achieved in all 100 patients. The success rates of tracheal intubation through the ILMA were similar in obese and lean patients (96% and 94%, respectively). The numbers of failed blind tracheal access attempts and patients who required airway-adjustment maneuvers were significantly reduced in obese patients as compared with lean patients. Four obese patients experienced transient episodes of oxygen desaturation (oxygen saturation < 90%) before adequate bag ventilation was established with the ILMA. CONCLUSION: The authors confirmed that the ILMA was an efficient airway device for airway management of both lean and obese patients. In the conditions of this study, the authors observed that airway management with the ILMA was simpler in obese patients as compared with lean patients.     

Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway in Morbidly Obese and Lean Patients: A Comparative Study

Background: The intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) was designed using the characteristics of healthy-weight subjects but was shown to be an effective airway device in morbidly obese patients. The authors compared airway management quality in morbidly obese and lean patients with use of the ILMA.

Methods: Fifty morbidly obese and 50 lean patients (mean body mass indexes, 42 and 27 kg/m2, respectively) were enrolled in this prospective study. After induction of general anesthesia, characteristics of airway management were judged on safety and efficiency parameters, including success rate at ventilation and intubation and airway management quality criteria, such as the number of patients who required adjustment maneuvers, the number of failed tracheal intubation attempts, the total duration of airway management, and an overall difficulty visual analog scale score.

Results: The ILMA was successfully inserted and adequate ventilation through the ILMA was achieved in all 100 patients. The success rates of tracheal intubation through the ILMA were similar in obese and lean patients (96% and 94%, respectively). The numbers of failed blind tracheal access attempts and patients who required airway-adjustment maneuvers were significantly reduced in obese patients as compared with lean patients. Four obese patients experienced transient episodes of oxygen desaturation (oxygen saturation < 90%) before adequate bag ventilation was established with the ILMA.     

Use of the Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway: Are Muscle Relaxants Necessary?

Background: The intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) is designed to facilitate blind tracheal intubation. The effect of a muscle relaxant on the ability to perform tracheal intubation through the ILMA device has not been previously evaluated. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was designed to evaluate rocuronium, 0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg administered intravenously, on the success rate and incidence of complications associated with ILMA-assisted tracheal intubation.

Methods: A total of 75 healthy patients were induced with propofol 2 mg/kg and fentanyl 1 [mu]g/kg intravenously. After insertion of the ILMA device, patients were administered either saline, rocuronium 0.2 mg/kg, or rocuronium 0.4 mg/kg in a total volume of 5 ml. At 90 s after administration of the study drug, tracheal intubation was attempted using a disposable polyvinyl tube. If unsuccessful, a reusable silicone tube was tried. In addition to recording the time and number of attempts required to secure the airway, the incidence of complications during placement of the tracheal tube and removal of the ILMA were noted.

Results: Tracheal intubation was successful in 76-96% of the patients. The overall success rates and times required to secure the airway were similar in all three treatment groups. The high-dose rocuronium group experienced less patient movement (8 vs. 28 and 48%) and coughing (12 vs. 20 and 52%) than the low-dose rocuronium and saline groups, respectively. Use of rocuronium was also associated with a dose-related decrease in the requirement for supplemental bolus doses of propofol during intubation and removal of the ILMA device.     

Use of the intubating laryngeal mask airway: are muscle relaxants necessary?

BACKGROUND: The intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) is designed to facilitate blind tracheal intubation. The effect of a muscle relaxant on the ability to perform tracheal intubation through the ILMA device has not been previously evaluated. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was designed to evaluate rocuronium, 0.2 or 0.4 mg/kg administered intravenously, on the success rate and incidence of complications associated with ILMA-assisted tracheal intubation. METHODS: A total of 75 healthy patients were induced with propofol 2 mg/kg and fentanyl 1 microg/kg intravenously. After insertion of the ILMA device, patients were administered either saline, rocuronium 0.2 mg/kg, or rocuronium 0.4 mg/kg in a total volume of 5 ml. At 90 s after administration of the study drug, tracheal intubation was attempted using a disposable polyvinyl tube. If unsuccessful, a reusable silicone tube was tried. In addition to recording the time and number of attempts required to secure the airway, the incidence of complications during placement of the tracheal tube and removal of the ILMA were noted. RESULTS: Tracheal intubation was successful in 76-96% of the patients. The overall success rates and times required to secure the airway were similar in all three treatment groups. The high-dose rocuronium group experienced less patient movement (8 vs. 28 and 48%) and coughing (12 vs. 20 and 52%) than the low-dose rocuronium and saline groups, respectively. Use of rocuronium was also associated with a dose-related decrease in the requirement for supplemental bolus doses of propofol during intubation and removal of the ILMA device. CONCLUSIONS: Use of rocuronium did not significantly improve the success rate in performing tracheal intubation through the ILMA. However, it produced dose-related decreases in coughing and movement after tracheal intubation and reduced difficulties associated with removal of the ILMA device.     

Airway management using the intubating laryngeal mask airway for the morbidly obese patient

We studied the effectiveness of the intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) in morbidly obese patients scheduled for bariatric surgery. We included 118 consecutive morbidly obese patients (body mass index, 45 +/- 5 kg/m(2)). After the induction of general anesthesia, the laryngeal view was classified by the first observer according to the method of Cormack and Lehane. The ILMA was then inserted, and the trachea was intubated through the ILMA by a second observer. The rate of successful tracheal intubation with ILMA was 96.3%. The success rate, the number of attempts, and the total duration of the procedure were not different among patients with low-grade (Cormack 1-2) and patients with high-grade (Cormack 3-4) laryngeal views. The time required for insertion of the ILMA was slightly longer in patients with high-grade laryngeal views. Failures of the technique were not explained by the experience of the practitioner or airway characteristics. No adverse effect related to the technique was reported. Results of this study suggest that using the ILMA provides an additional technique for airway management of morbidly obese patients. IMPLICATIONS: The intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) provides an additional technique for airway management of morbidly obese patients. The best choice of the primary technique (laryngoscopy or ILMA) for tracheal intubation of an adult obese patient remains to be determined.     

Fiberoptic intubation via laryngeal mask airway under general anesthesia in the patients with halo vest

Since 1991, we gave anesthesia to 155 patients with halo vest. All of 128 whose airways could be kept patent by laryngeal mask airway (LMA) were successfully intubated fiberoptically via LMA using the tube exchange catheter under general anesthesia. Four patients developed airway obstruction during the induction of anesthesia, two of whom were awakened and subsequently intubated by awake fiberoptic intubation. In one patient LMA could keep the airway patent. In the other patient, cervical immobilization by halo device was released and the intubation was performed with a laryngoscope. For 8 patients, awake fiberoptic intubation was chosen from the preoperative evaluation of the positioning of head and neck. Fifteen patients were intubated with a laryngoscope without trying LMA fiberoptic intubation. No patient developed neurological injury attributed to the intubation. LMA fiberoptic intubation has several advantages. Patients do not feel discomfort under general anesthesia. Ventilation is kept continued until LMA is removed. Even less experienced residents can intubate easily and safely without assistance. However, we must carefully diagnose and select the patient whose airway can be kept patent under general anesthesia. The motionless pictures of the intubation procedures can be seen on the web site: www.hosp.go.jp/~kobe/.     

The intubating laryngeal mask airway facilitates tracheal intubation in the lateral position

Although the difficulty of tracheal intubation in the lateral position has not been systematically evaluated, airway loss during surgery in a laterally positioned patient may have hazardous consequences. We explored whether the intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) facilitates tracheal intubation in patients with normal airway anatomy, i.e., Mallampati grade or=5 cm, positioned in the lateral position. We evaluated whether this technique can be used as a rescue when the airway is lost during the middle of surgery in laterally positioned patients with respect to success rate and intubation time. Anesthesia was induced with propofol, fentanyl, and vecuronium in 50 patients undergoing spine surgery for lumbar disk herniation (Lateral) and 50 undergoing other surgical procedures (Supine). Patients having disk surgery (Lateral) were positioned on their right or left sides before induction of general anesthesia, and intubation was performed in that position. Patients in the control group (Supine) were anesthetized in supine position, and intubation was performed in that position. Intubation was performed blindly via an ILMA in both groups. The time required for intubation and number and types of adjusting maneuvers used were recorded. Data were compared by the Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's exact test, chi(2) test, or unpaired Student's t-test, as appropriate. Data presented as mean (SD). Demographic and airway measures were similar in the two groups, except for mouth opening, which was slightly wider in patients in the lateral position: 5.1 (0.9) versus 4.6 (0.7) cm. The time required for intubation was similar in each group ( approximately 25 s), as was intubation success (96%). We conclude that blind intubation via an ILMA offers a frequent success rate and a clinically acceptable intubation time (<1 min) even in the lateral position. IMPLICATIONS: Blind intubation via the intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) offers frequent success and a clinically acceptable intubation time even in patients in the lateral position.     

Intubating laryngeal mask airway for difficult out-of-hospital airway management: a prospective evaluation

Background: Out-of-hospital airway management is a critical skill, demandingexpert knowledge and experience. The intubating laryngeal maskairway (ILMA) is a ventilatory and intubating device which maybe of value in this arena. We evaluated the ILMA for out-of-hospitalmanagement of the difficult airway. Methods: Twenty-one anaesthesia-trained emergency physicians (EPs) completeda training programme and used the ILMA in patients with difficult-to-manageairways. Indications for use of the ILMA included patients withdifficult laryngoscopy, multiple intubation attempts, limitedaccess to the patient’s head, presence of pharyngo-laryngealtrauma, and gastric fluids or bleeding obscuring the view ofthe vocal cords. Results: During the study period, 146 of 2513 patients underwent trachealintubation or alternate rescue airway insertion. In 135 patients,laryngoscopy was performed and Cormack–Lehane view wasrecorded as grade I in 72 (53.3%), II in 45 (33.3%), III in10 (7.4%), and IV in 8 (5.9%). EPs encountered 11 patients (7.5%)with difficult-to-manage airways. ILMA insertion and ventilationwas possible in 10 patients in the first and one patient inthe second attempt. ILMA-guided tracheal intubation was successfulin all patients, in 10 after the first and in 1 after two attempts. Conclusions: In this study, ventilation and intubation with ILMA was successfulin all patients with difficult-to-manage airways. Our data supportthe use of the ILMA as rescue device for out-of-hospital airwaymanagement by staff who have appropriate airway skills and havereceived appropriate training.     

Tracheal intubation and cervical spine excursion: direct laryngoscopy vs. intubating laryngeal mask

Until recently, the most appropriate technique of intubating a patient with a cervical spine injury has been the subject of debate. Tracheal intubation by means of the intubating laryngeal mask (Fastrach), a modified conventional laryngeal mask airway, seems to require less neck manipulation. The aim of this study was to compare the excursion of the upper cervical spine during tracheal intubation using direct laryngoscopy with that during intubation via the laryngeal mask (Fastrach), by examination of lateral cervical spine radiographs in healthy young patients. The intubating laryngeal mask (Fastrach) caused less extension (at C1-2 and C2-3) than intubation by direct laryngoscopy. Direct laryngoscopy is still the fastest method to secure an airway provided no intubating difficulties are present. However, in trauma patients requiring rapid sequence induction and in whom cervical spine movement is limited or undesirable, the intubating laryngeal mask (Fastrach) is a safe and fast method by which to secure the airway.     

Cervical stabilization with halo fixation: anesthetic implications--case reports

Halo fixation is often used to provide stability in patients with unstable cervical spine. These fixation devices pose unique challenges to the anesthesiologists encountered while securing an airway. Management of airway in patients with halo fixation is complicated by the fixed position, limited access to the face, and immobilization of neck. We managed two different patients, one in which halo fixation was done for atlanto-axial dislocation (AAD); and the other, who came with halo fixation and underwent wound debridement under general anesthesia. In the former case, procedure was carried out with laryngeal mask anesthesia and patient breathing spontaneously whereas, in the later case, procedure was performed after securing the airway using awake fiberoptic intubation technique.     

The intubating laryngeal mask airway does not facilitate tracheal intubation in the presence of a neck collar in simulated trauma

Tracheal intubation must be performed with great care in the multiply injured patient when it must be assumed that the cervical spine may be damaged. Use of conventional direct laryngoscopy usually requires removal of the neck collar and manual in-line stabilization of the head and neck. The intubating laryngeal mask (ILMA) has been designed to facilitate tracheal intubation in the neutral position. We used the ILMA to intubate the trachea in 10 patients wearing a neck collar and with cricoid pressure applied in a simulated trauma scenario. The ILMA was difficult to insert and ventilation proved difficult. In only two patients was intubation successful. These problems were probably caused by the neck collar strap under the chin lifting up and tipping the larynx anteriorly. On the basis of these findings, ILMA use in a subject wearing a neck collar cannot be recommended.      

A novel modified method of using Trachway intubating stylet for awake tracheal intubation in patients with anticipated difficult airway

The Trachway intubating stylet is designed to facilitate tracheal intubation in anesthetized patients with a normal or difficult airway anatomy. The shortcoming of this device is the lack of a working channel to provide topicalization of the airway. We describe a novel modified method of using Trachway intubating stylet to provide airway topicalization and perform awake orotracheal intubation in two cases with an anticipated difficult airway. The first case was a superobese patient with a cervical spine disorder, whereas the second case was a patient with an enlarged thyroid gland. Transtracheal lidocaine injection was technically difficult in these patients because of neck obesity and thyroid enlargement, respectively. We believe that this modified method can be used to provide effective airway topicalization when Trachway intubating stylet is used for awake orotracheal intubation.     

The intubating laryngeal mask. II: a preliminary clinical report of a new means of intubating the trachea

We have assessed the efficacy of a new laryngeal mask prototype, the intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA), as a ventilatory device and blind intubation guide. The ILMA consists of an anatomically curved, short, wide bore, stainless steel tube sheathed in silicone which is bonded to a laryngeal mask and a guiding handle. It has a single moveable aperture bar, a guiding ramp and can accommodate an 8 mm tracheal tube (TT). After induction of anaesthesia with propofol 2.5 mg kg-1 and fentanyl 2.5 micrograms kg-1, the device was inserted successfully at the first attempt in all 150 (100%) patients and adequate ventilation achieved in all, with minor adjustments required in four patients. Placement did not require movement of the head and neck or insertion of the fingers in the patient's mouth. Blind tracheal intubation using a straight silicone cuffed TT was attempted after administration of atracurium 0.5 mg kg-1. If resistance was felt during intubation, a sequence of adjusting manoeuvres was used based on the depth at which resistance occurred. Tracheal intubation was possible in 149 of 150 (99.3%) patients. In 75 (50%) patients no resistance was encountered and the trachea was intubated at the first attempt, 28 (19%) patients required one adjusting manoeuvre and 46 (31%) patients required 2-4 adjusting manoeuvres before intubation was successful. There were 13 patients with potential or known airway problems. The lungs of all of these patients were ventilated easily and the trachea intubated using the ILMA. In 10 of 13 (77%) of these patients, no resistance was encountered and the trachea was intubated at the first attempt; three of 13 (23%) patients required one adjusting manoeuvre. Tracheal intubation required significantly fewer adjusting manoeuvres in patients with a predicted or known difficult airway (P < 0.05). We conclude that the ILMA appeared on initial assessment to be an effective ventilatory device and intubation guide for routine and difficult airway patients not at risk of gastric aspiration.      

The intubating laryngeal mask airway: an initial assessment of performance

A new prototype of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA), the intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA), was used to facilitate tracheal intubation in 100 fasted patients presenting for elective surgery. Alignment of the ILMA with the larynx was assessed fibreoptically before intubation without the investigator performing the intubation being aware of the view score. Ease of intubation correlated with the view obtained and with the degree of manipulation of the ILMA needed to achieve tracheal intubation. Intubation was successful in 93 patients. Of the seven intubation failures, five occurred in the first 20 patients. Conventional connection to the breathing system and ventilation of the lungs of the patients were possible throughout the intubation procedure.      

The intubating laryngeal mask airway with and without fiberoptic guidance

We conducted this feasibility study using the intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) and a polyvinyl chloride tracheal tube to compare success rates, hemodynamic effects, and postoperative morbidity with two methods of tracheal intubation. After ethics approval and informed consent, 90 healthy ASA physical status I or II women with normal airways were enrolled in the randomized, controlled study. After a standardized inhaled anesthesia induction protocol, tracheal intubations using ILMA with fiberoptic guidance (ILMA-FOB) and ILMA inserted blindly without fiberoptic guidance (ILMA-Blind) were compared with the control group of direct laryngoscopy (laryngoscopy group). All 90 patients were successfully ventilated. For tracheal intubation, success rates were equal in all three groups (97%). Total intubation times were longer for the ILMA-FOB group (77 s versus 48.5 s for laryngoscopy and 53.5 s for ILMA-Blind). The laryngoscopy group had a larger increase in mean arterial blood pressure to tracheal intubation. There were no differences in postoperative sore throat or hoarseness among the groups. In conclusion, success rates are equally high for tracheal intubation using ILMA-Blind and ILMA-FOB techniques in women with normal airways. IMPLICATIONS: The intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) can be used as a primary airway for oxygenation and ventilation. Both methods of tracheal intubation using the ILMA were equally successful. Postoperative morbidity in the ILMA groups was similar to that in the laryngoscopy group. For women with normal airways, both the ILMA inserted blindly and the ILMA with fiberoptic guidance are suitable alternatives to laryngoscopy for tracheal intubation.     

Comparison of the intubating laryngeal mask airway with the fiberoptic intubation in anticipated difficult airway management

BACKGROUND: The intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA; Fastrach; Laryngeal Mask Company, Henley-on-Thames, UK) may provide an alternative technique to fiberoptic intubation (FIB) to facilitate the management of the anticipated difficult airway. The authors therefore compared the effectiveness of the ILMA with FIB in patients with anticipated difficult intubation. METHODS: One hundred patients, with at least one difficult intubation criteria (Mallampati class III or IV, thyromental distance < 65 mm, interincisor distance < 35 mm) were enrolled (FIB group, n = 49; ILMA group, n = 51) in this prospective randomized study. Anesthesia was induced with propofol and maintained with alfentanil and propofol after an efficient mask ventilation has been demonstrated. The success of the technique (within three attempts), the number of attempts, duration of the successful attempt, and adverse events (oxygen saturation < 90%, bleeding) were recorded. RESULTS: The rate of successful tracheal intubation with ILMA was 94% and comparable with FIB (92%). The number of attempts and the time to succeed were not significantly different between groups. In case of failure of the first technique, the alternative technique always succeeded. Failures in FIB group were related to oxygen desaturation (oxygen saturation < 90%) and bleeding, and to previous cervical radiotherapy in the ILMA group. Adverse events occurred significantly more frequently in FIB group than in ILMA group (18 vs. 0%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The authors obtained a high success rate and comparable duration of tracheal intubation with ILMA and FIB techniques. In patients with previous cervical radiotherapy, the use of ILMA cannot be recommended. Nevertheless, the use of the ILMA was associated with fewer adverse events.