The role of fiberoptic bronchoscopy in the positioning of ProSeal laryngeal mask airway

Objective To investigate the role of fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) in the positioning of ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA). Methods Sixty ASA Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients undergoing general anesthesia using PLMA were randomly divided into two groups with 30 cases each: inserted PLMA group (group A)and FOB positioning group (group B). After the routine intravenous anesthesia induction,the PLMA inflated to an intracapsular pressure of 50 cm H2O (1 cm H2O =0.098 kPa) with the positive airway pressure by the anesthesia apparatus, the airway seal pressure, airway peak voltage of intermittent positive pressure ventilation and tidal volume were evaluated. Results Patients from two groups achieved adequate lung ventilation (SpO2 ＞0.97,PETCO2 was normal), the operations were all smooth. There were 5 cases adjusted the position two times,and 1 case adjusted 3 times. Patients in group B were all PLMA insertion under FOB and airway seal pressure was higher,but airway peak voltage was lower than in group A (P＜0.05). Conclusion FOB elevates accurate allocation of PLMA,enhances the isolated function from the surrounding tissue of glottis, improves the lung ventilation, and increases the safety of PLMA. Key words: Bronchoscopes; Anesthesia,general; ProSeallaryngeal mask airway; Localization