Intubation through a Laryngeal Mask Airway by Fiberoptic Bronchoscope in an Infant with a Mass at the Base of the Tongue: A case report

Abstract

Failed or difficult tracheal intubation remains an important cause of mortality and morbidity during anesthesia, especially in infants with anatomical or pathological abnormalities of the airway.We report on a 4.1 kg, 85-day-male infant with a thyroglossal duct cyst at the tongue base who could not be conventionally ventilated and intubated in the supine position.The infant was intubated with a 3-mm endotracheal tube through the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) with guidance of a fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB).However, the pilot balloon did not pass through the 1.5-mm LMA conduit.After cutting the pilot balloon, we removed the LMA and inserted a central venous catheter guide-wire through the endotracheal tube to increase the endotracheal tube to 3.5 mm.This maneuver allowed us to secure the airway without further problems.