The LMA CTrach, a new approach for endotracheal intubation: a pilot study in 100 patients undergoing elective surgery

Background: The LMA CTrach system is a new device for airway management and endotracheal intubation under direct vision in both anticipated and unexpected difficult intubation situations. Methods: We used this system in 100 patients undergoing general anesthesia for different types of elective surgeries. After randomly selecting the patients for intuba- tion with this new device, the airway characteristics, height, weight, dental overbite and thyromental distance were all evaluated before induction. Our goal was to ex- plore primarily the success rate of intubation with LMA CTrach. Results: We were able to insert LMA CTrach and provide optimal ventilation in all 100 patients. Nonetheless, successful tracheal intubation was performed in 95 pa- tients. Among our patients, 2 had Mallampati grade IV airways with short necks, body mass index (BMI) > 30, and without the capability to bite their upper lips. Amazingly both patients were intubated with this method, proving a device as an as- suring approach in cases of difficulty with ventilation and intubation. Of all patients, 44 were females and 56 males. The mean age was 34 ± 2 years. BMI measured for all patients was 20-25 except for two cases who had BMI > 30. Conclusion: Since the LMA CTrach provided us with direct view of the larynx and vocal cords during intubation even in difficult cases, it can be assumed that this device is a precious aid as equal as fiberoptic bronchoscopy for the anesthesiologists.