A Study to Evaluate Intubation Through Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway Using Conventional Polyvinyl Chloride Endotracheal Tube

Background: A purposely designed wire reinforced silicone tube is available for tracheal intubation through intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA). However, this tube is expensive and not always available. Hence, cheaper and readily available alternatives such as conventional polyvinyl chloride (PVC) endotracheal tube should be evaluated for intubation through ILMA. Methods: After informed consent, 50 ASA I-II adults with normal airways undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia requiring intubation were allocated to undergo blind tracheal intubation through ILMA with conventional PVC endotracheal tube. Results: The overall success rate for intubation through ILMA was 94% [1st attempt 80%; 2nd attempt 10%; 3rd attempt 4%]. Time taken for successful intubation through ILMA was 18.23 ± 5.46 sec. Haemodynamic parameters remained stable and there was no episode of oxygen desaturation throughout the procedure. Conclusion: Conventional PVC endotracheal tube is a feasible alternative to Fastrach silicone tube for blind tracheal intubation through ILMA.