OBJECTIVE: To sum up the advantages and disadvantages as well as application prospects of several kinds of new devices in airway management, including the laryngeal mask airway (LMA), esophageal-tracheal combitubes (ETC),fribreoptic stylet laryngoscope (FOS), video Macintosh intubating laryngoscope system (VMS) and GlideScope(R) videolaryngoscope(GSVL).DATA SOURCES: Using the terms "airway management", we searched Medline for airway management device-related articles, which were published during January 1990 to February 2006 in English.STUDY SELECTION: The materials were firstly selected. Successful rate of intubation, intubation-related complications and incidence in studying tracheal intubation with LMA, ETC, FOS, VMS and GSVL were chosen. Inclusive .criteria: ① Randomized and controlled study of adult cases. ② Clinical studies or case report. ③ Including the studies of general airway or difficult airway. Exclusive criteria: ① Study of intubation in children. ② Repetitive study.DATA EXTRACTION: Eighty-six articles about tracheal intubation with LMA, ETC, FOS, VMS and GSVL were chosen, among which, 36 were included in this study, and 50 were excluded due to study on intubation in children or repetitive study.DATA SYNTHESIS: Correct placement does not affect vocal cord movement, so patients may vocalize while an LMA is in place. Its successful rate is over 90%. Its most attractive advantages are increased speed and ease of placement by both inexperienced personal and experienced anesthesiologists, low frequency of cough and low incidence. The esophageal tracheal combrtube is a supraglottic airway device that functions as an effective alternative to ventilization via mask and tracheal intubation in both the esophageal and tracheal position. It is successful when emergency occurs, but it is only suitable for adults. The flexibility of FOS allows for intubation of patients, without the need for head and neck manipulation. The main disadvantages of FOS are their limited field of view and the high cost of purchase and maintenance. Observation and manipulation in using VMS can be performed in one axis. GSVL provides a clear view of larynx on the monitor instead of directly viewed by the operator.CONCLUSION: These new devices of airway management can relatively decrease the intubation difficulty, increase the successful rate and lead to lower complication incidence. The skills of these new airway management devices should be included in the modern anesthesia residency program.