Successful nasotracheal intubation in a patient with distorted airway anatomy by combined use of flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope and trachway

Abstract

Nasotracheal intubation for airway anatomy distorted patients is often frustrating. Here, we describe a redo oral cancer patient who received awake nasotracheal intubation under flexible fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FFB) guidance with assistance of the Trachway ® intubating stylet. After repeated failures of locating the epiglottis or vocal cords with the FFB, we put Trachway stylet into the oropharynx to assist identifying glottic structures. With the assistance of Trachway, glottic structures and the tip of FFB were identified, and fiberoptic intubation was achieved without complications. Therefore, this feasible application may be applied to patients with distorted airway who requires nasotracheal intubation.

Keywords

• Trachway
• flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope
• difficult airway management