Cuffed nasopharyngeal tube as‘dedicated airway’in difficult intubation

Abstract

A cuffed nasopharyngeal airway was used in five cases of difficult intubation, initially to maintain anaesthesia, and subsequently to act as a landmark for the passage of a fibreoptic laryngoscope loaded with a tracheal tube. In all cases, airway patency was well preserved with the device and there were no significant problems with its use. The notion of a‘dedicated airway’for difficult intubation cases is developed. A trouble‐free airway will permit time to consider solutions for difficult cases and time for the novice to learn fibreoptic laryngoscopy technique. Copyright © 1994, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved