OBJECTIVETo evaluate the feasibility of the fibreoptic intubating laryngeal mask airway (LMA) CTrach (CTrach) in anticipated difficult airway caused by face and neck scar contracture.

METHODSTotally 33 patients undergoing selective face and neck scar plastic surgery and requiring general anesthesia were enrolled in our study. After anesthesia induction, the CTrach was inserted and the viewer was attached, which allowed fibreoptic visualization of the larynx before and during passage of the tracheal tube through the vocal cords. The duration and the success rates of CTrach insertion, tracheal intubation, and CTrach removal were recorded. The view of glottis on viewer and the adjusting maneuvers for improving the laryngeal view were recorded. Noninvasive blood pressures and heart rates were recorded before and after anesthesia induction and at CTrach insertion, tracheal intubation, and CTrach removal.

RESULTSThe CTrach was successfully inserted in all patients, among whom 4 patients succeeded at the second attempt. The full view of glottis were shown in 10 patients, while partial view and no view of glottis were shown in 8 and 15 patients, respectively. The good view of glottis was achieved by adjusting manoeuvres. Tracheal intubation via the CTrach was successful in 27 patients at the first attempt and in 6 patients at the second attempt. Hemodynamic changes during the performance with the CTrach were minimal.

CONCLUSIONSThe CTrach can be easily inserted, with clear view and high success rate of tracheal intubation. Therefore, it is an effective way to resolve difficulty intubation caused by face and neck scar contracture.