Awake insertion of proseal laryngeal mask airway: A technique for cases of fixed flexed neck deformity

Abstract

Fixed flexion deformity of the neck due to postburn contracture results in the nonalignment of oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal planes for intubations. Airway management is a challenge to anesthesiologist in these cases. Awake fiberoptic intubation if available is the gold standard in such cases. The design of ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is such that it provides a good alternative to the endotracheal tube and its insertion does not require the visualization of the vocal cords. We present the successful airway management of a patient with severe fixed flexion deformity of the neck by an awake ProSeal LMA insertion.