An algorithm for difficult airway management, modified for modern optical devices (Airtraq laryngoscope; LMA CTrach™): a 2-year prospective validation in patients for elective abdominal, gynecologic, and thyroid surgery.

Background: Because algorithms for difficult airway management, including the use of new optical tracheal intubation devices, require prospective evaluation in routine practice, we prospectively assessed an algorithm for difficult airway management that included two new airway devices.

Methods: After 6 months of instruction, training, and clinical testing, 15 senior anesthesiologists were asked to use an established algorithm for difficult airway management in anesthetized and paralyzed patients. Abdominal, gynecologic, and thyroid surgery patients were enrolled.