[Evaluation of the learning curve of a new intubation technique: intubating laryngeal mask].

Objective: Assessment of the learning curve of a new device for blind orotracheal intubation: Intubating laryngeal mask.

Study Design: Prospective clinical study.

Methods: Ten persons practicing anaesthesia (specialist, fellow, nurse) underwent videotape learning and manikin training required with the device. Each person had to carry out a tracheal intubation in ten consecutive patients undergoing scheduled surgery. No patient presented history or clinical sign of difficult airway management. Results were expressed as mean +/- SD. Main percentages were provided with their 95% confidence interval; the percentage comparison were performed using Chi 2 test. The significance level for overall analysis was p < 0.05.

Results: One hundred patients were included. The overall success rate of tracheal intubation with the intubating laryngeal mask was 88%. An easy learning curve was obtained according to the low failure rate that was observed. No failure was noticed after eight procedures. Significant diminution of the delay for tube insertion was observed during the practice (3 +/- 1.30 min for the first procedure and 1.16 +/- 0.60 min for the tenth procedure). Circumstances of the oral intubation were improved with muscle relaxation. Finally, all failure with the intubating laryngeal mask were followed by successful intubation using direct laryngoscopy.

Conclusion: The intubating laryngeal mask is a new device for blind orotracheal intubation with an easy learning curve in patients without difficulty in airway management, even for non-selected operators.