Articles: anesthesia.
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J Clin Monit Comput · Aug 2022
EditorialFeatures of new vision-incorporated third-generation video laryngeal mask airways.
Numerous studies have shown that blindly inserted supraglottic airway devices (SADs) are sub-optimally placed in 50 to 80% of all cases. Placement under direct vision has been recommended. We describe the very first two new SADs of the third generation that incorporate a videoscope with flexible tip. ⋯ This article describes the two new devices' physical characteristics, features, rationale for use, advantages and limitations in comparison to existing devices. Each of the two new devices-the Video Laryngeal Mask (VLMTM, UE Medical®) and the SafeLM® Video Laryngeal Mask System (SafeLMTM VLMS, Magill Medical Technology®) consist of two parts: (a) a disposable 2nd generation SAD with a silicone cuff and an anatomically curved tube; and (b) a reusable patient-isolated videoscope and monitoring screen, with the flexible scope located into a specially-designed, blind-end channel terminating in the bowl of the SAD, preventing the videoscope from contacting patient body fluids in the SAD bowl. Third generation placement-under-direct-vision supraglottic airway devices possess several theoretical safety and ease of use advantages which now need to be validated in clinical use.