The intubating laryngeal mask airway for blind intubation in a patient with life‐threatening neck haematoma

Abstract

SummaryWe describe the successful use of the intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) in a 53‐yr‐old man with life threatening airway obstruction due to a postoperative haematoma in the neck. Attempts at securing the airway using an awake fibreoptic technique and ILMA‐assisted fibreoptic intubation were unsuccessful due to extensive oropharyngeal and laryngeal oedema that resulted in inability to visualise any anatomical landmarks. A patent airway was established through an intubating laryngeal mask airway using a blind technique. We present this case to highlight the unique features of the ILMA that make it invaluable in airway emergencies, and to emphasise its role in the Difficult Airway Society (DAS) guidelines.