Fiberoptic assessment of laryngeal mask airway placement: blind insertion versus direct visual epiglottoscopy.

Purpose: The study aims to compare the frequency of ideal anatomic placement of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) using the traditional blind insertion approach with one where placement was facilitated by the use of a laryngoscope (epiglottoscopy).

Patients And Methods: A prospective comparison of 132 patients divided into 2 groups (38 with the blind technique and 94 with the direct technique) were evaluated with 2 airway assessment methods, Wilson and Mallampati. We also considered whether there was a relationship between these criteria and the successful placement into an ideal position.