The LMA CTrach™, a new laryngeal mask airway for endotracheal intubation under vision: evaluation in 100 patients

Abstract

The LMA CTrach system has potential advantages over the LMA Fastrach system, including the ability to align the LMA outlet with the larynx and a high first intubation attempt success rate. However, it was difficult to view the larynx with the LMA CTrach compared with direct laryngoscopy, and expectations must be moderated.

Comparison of the laryngeal mask airway - CTrachTM and direct coupled interface-video laryngoscope for endotracheal intubation: A prospective, randomized, clinical study

“…Intubation success rates, intubation times and airway complications views and short optimal glottic view time with the DCI-VL, intubation success rates at the first attempt were not different. Poor views due to secretions or epiglottic structures were very common when using CT, and Liu et al (5) have argued that the failure in achieving an acceptable larynx view in a great number of patients compromises the clinical value of CT. Another reason for the poor quality of the initial laryngeal view with CT may be attributed to the position of the lens in the CT. Because the lens is very close to the laryngeal structures, the process of obtaining images can be easily disrupted by secretions and moisture (12). In addition, the possibility of epiglottic downfolding and obstruction by the arythenoids is increased with the LMA design of the CT. All of these reasons may increase the time to achieve a good view of the glottis with the CT.…”

“…The laryngeal mask airway CTrach™ (CT, The Laryngeal Mask Company Ltd, Le Rocher, Victoria, Mahe, Seychelles), was developed to minimize the technical effort required by the user; the goal of CT was to introduce visual guidance to the blind technique of intubating with a laryngeal mask airway (ILMA). This system is attached to a full-color viewer that provides the light source and image visualization, allowing continuous video-endoscopy of illuminated anatomical structures facing the fiber optics (5). The video system is located below the epiglottis elevation bar.…”

The LMA CTrachTM in airway resuscitation: six case reports

“…In all cases, the vocal cord image was centred on the monitor before attempting intubation, and all had a resulting firstpass intubation. Several recently published CTrach evaluations in normal patients reported a near 100% first-pass intubation success rate when the vocal cords could be seen and centred on the monitor [8,9]. In addition, there are several brief reports of successful CTrach intubation in patients with anticipated difficult airways [10,11].…”

“…If intubation is not successful, the presence of an effective airway can be lifesaving. The CTrach gives the operator time to optimise the laryngeal view and the patient's physiological parameters before attempting intubation [8]. Numerous reports have confirmed the effectiveness of the ILMA in patients with known or anticipated difficult tracheal intubation [1,15,16].…”

Use of intubation introducers through a supraglottic airway to facilitate tracheal intubation: a brief review

“…[4][5][6][7][8][9] An adult ETT can be placed directly into the trachea via these SGAs, either blindly or with bronchoscopic guidance. However, these SGAs designed for intubation may not be readily available in the operating room, 10 and many anesthesiologists are not familiar with using them as stand-alone airways or intubating devices.…”