The positioning of reinforced laryngeal masks (LMA) with the "Zerer-introducer"

Correct and rapid positioning of reinforced laryngeal masks (LMA) is often a problem in anaesthetics. Although different techniques have been developed, none of them are satisfactory. A newly designed introduction device was used to place reinforced laryngeal masks. These are first results of a clinical observational study. A special fork fixed on a handhold was constructed. The introduction of the LMA was possible in an arched movement down to the hypopharynx using appropriate sizes for different sizes of LMA's. The intubation in 500 surgical cases (30 % adult, 70 % children, mostly in ENT-surgery) was easy and rapidly performed. A leading finger for placement was not necessary. There were neither cases of rotation nor retrograde flexion of the top of the mask. Direct vision by the ENT-specialist revealed no evidence of any injuries of the palate or throat. A newly designed introduction device allows a fast and efficient placement of reinforced laryngeal masks and contributes to the safety of this mode of application.