J Korean Soc Laryngol Phoniatr Logoped.  2016 Dec;27(2):122-125. 10.0000/jkslpl.2016.27.2.122.

A Case of Successful Use of C-MAC® Video Laryngoscope in ‘Cannot Ventilate’ Situation Due to Unexpected Severe Narrowing of Laryngeal Inlet

• Moon JH
• Lee SH
• Kang BJ

• KMID: 2369121
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.0000/jkslpl.2016.27.2.122

Abstract

Although many factors associated with difficult intubation have been known, predictors of difficult mask ventilation are not well known. We experienced a case of nearly complete airway obstruction following usual anesthetic induction which needed various emergency treatments. The patient had a preoperative diagnosis of contact granuloma of right posterior vocal cord and bilateral vocal cord palsy but later was found out as invasive laryngeal cancer. Upon the surgical field of view, both vocal cords were showing significantly thickened and fixated appearance and was considered as in the critical narrowing state with the potential of complete obstruction. Using C-MAC® video laryngoscope we were able to see the narrowed vocal cord and choose proper size of endo-tracheal tube. Consequently, intubation was successfully done and operation was conducted. From this case, we have lessons that physicians should examine the patient's airway more carefully in case of laryngeal mass and prepare emergency measures.

Keyword

Unventilated emergency; Laryngeal tumor; Video laryngoscope

MeSH Terms

Airway Obstruction
Bays*
Diagnosis
Emergencies
Emergency Treatment
Granuloma
Humans
Intubation
Laryngeal Neoplasms
Laryngoscopes*
Masks
Ventilation
Vocal Cord Paralysis
Vocal Cords