Fibreoptic tracheal intubation after placement of the laryngeal tube

Background. The laryngeal tube is a new alternative for securingthe airway. After adequate oxygenation, insertion of a trachealtube is still required in many situations. In such circumstances,fibreoptic placement of a tube exchange catheter after placementof the laryngeal tube is possible before tracheal intubation.Throughout the procedure, oxygen administration can continuevia the laryngeal tube, the tube exchange catheter and the trachealtube. Methods. The feasibility of this technique was tested in 10patients scheduled for elective surgery. Results. The laryngeal tube was placed at the first attemptwith adequate ventilation in all patients. The tube exchangemanoeuvre was performed successfully in all but one patient. Conclusion. This technique is an important alternative for airwaymanagement and provides a significant degree of patient safety. Br J Anaesth 2002; 89: 733–8