Video assessment of supraglottic airway orientation through the perilaryngeal airway in pediatric patients.

The COBRA perilaryngeal airway (PLA) is a new supraglottic airway device available for use in children. We studied the orientation of the larynx as viewed through the PLA using video obtained with a fiberoptic bronchoscope in 45 infants and children. Laryngeal view was scored, and position of the grill bars of the PLA and the epiglottis was assessed. An acceptable airway was obtained in all subjects, but the laryngeal view was nearly or completely obstructed in 76.9% of the patients 10 kg and less, with the epiglottis folded over the glottic opening. This was uncommon in larger children. The grill bars of the PLA were closely opposed to the epiglottis and supraglottic structures in nearly all subjects. We conclude that 1) the PLA provides an acceptable airway in infants and children, but infolding of the epiglottis with obstruction of the view of the glottic opening is common in infants, 2) extra vigilance for airway obstruction in this age group is necessary, and 3) the PLA's close opposition to the supraglottic structures suggests that removal in a deeper plane of anesthesia might minimize laryngeal stimulation.