The Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway (ILMA/LMA Fastrach) differs from the classic LMA in which important design feature that facilitates blind or scope-guided tracheal intubation through it?

• A It has a larger cuff for higher oropharyngeal seal pressure
• B It incorporates an integrated suction channel for gastric decompression
• C It provides a shorter insertion path reducing the risk of oesophageal placement
• D It has a rigid curved airway tube with a ramp and epiglottic elevating bar to guide an ETT ✓

Explanation

The ILMA (LMA Fastrach) has a rigid, anatomically curved stainless steel shaft with an integrated handle, and an aperture bar (epiglottic elevating bar/EEB) at the bowl of the mask that lifts the epiglottis when an ETT is advanced through it. A specifically designed silicone ETT (soft-tip wire-reinforced) is used. First-time blind intubation success rate is 60–70%, improving to >95% with adjustment manoeuvres or fibreoptic guidance. It accommodates ETT up to 8.0 mm ID. This device is particularly useful in the anticipated or unanticipated difficult airway.

Reference: Morgan & Mikhail's Clinical Anesthesiology, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.