Blind intubation using supraglottic devices: why should we even try?

Excerpt

For years, clinicians have performed intubation of the trachea through various supraglottic airways (SGAs). As opposed to the purpose-designed LMA® Fastrach™ (Teleflex; Wayne, PA, USA) SGA, intubation through a regular SGA that is not specifically designed for this—which can be problematic. Potential for folding of the SGA tip and anatomical misplacements of the SGA are some of the reasons for failed blind intubation. Consequently, it is often recommended that endotracheal intubation is done with the assistance of direct flexible endoscopic visualization. A question that naturally arises from this, is whether there is ever a role for blindly performing tracheal intubation via an SGA without direct visualization? …