A new option in airway management: evaluation of the TotalTrack^® video laryngeal maski

Abstract

Background: The TotalTrack^® Video Laryngeal Mask (VLM) is a novel airway management device consisting of a disposable laryngeal mask paired with a reusable video display. Prior to the commencement of this study, there was no published literature on the performance of the TotalTrack^®.

Methods: The device was evaluated in sixty patients without predictors for difficult airway under general anaesthesia with neuromuscular blockade. Primary outcomes were laryngeal mask seal pressures and success of tracheal intubation through the device.

Results: Insertion and ventilation was successful in 98.3% of cases. Median static leak and maximal inflation pressures of the laryngeal mask component were 32 and 40 cm H_₂O respectively. Tracheal intubation through the device was successful in 95% of cases, with a mean intubation time of 9.5 s. No gastric insufflation occurred. Haemodynamic variability was found to be clinically insignificant. No significant side-effects were reported.

Conclusions: In this initial study, the TotalTrack^® VLM was found to be effective as a laryngeal mask airway, exhibiting good sealing pressures. It facilitated predictable, easy intubating conditions under video guidance, with minimal interruption of ventilation.

Keywords: airway management, intubation, laryngeal masks, laryngoscopes