The LMA‐SupremeTM as an intubation conduit in patients with known difficult airways: a prospective evaluation study

BackgroundMany extraglottic airway devices allow the direct passage of an adult‐sized tracheal tube, but this is not possible with the LMA‐SupremeTM. We evaluated the feasibility of using the LMA‐SupremeTM as a conduit for intubation in patients with known difficult airways.MethodsSixty‐eight adult patients, with preoperative predictors of difficult intubation, were scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia. After assessing the direct laryngoscopy view, 23 patients with Cormack–Lehane III/IV were included in the study. An LMA‐SupremeTM was inserted, followed by the passage of a flexible bronchoscope loaded with an Aintree Intubation Catheter into the trachea. The bronchoscope and LMA‐SupremeTM were removed, and a tracheal tube was railroaded over the Aintree Intubation Catheter into the trachea.ResultsTracheal intubation was successful in all patients using the above technique. SpO2 was >95% during the intubation procedure.ConclusionsWe conclude that the LMA‐SupremeTM is a successful conduit for bronchoscopic/Aintree Intubation Catheter‐guided intubation in patients with known difficult airway.