Technique | Advantages | Disadvantages |
Facemask | Inspect entire airway | Probably the most technically |
Assess airway dynamics/malacia | challenging for the anaesthetist |
Does not limit size of bronchoscope | Laryngospasm may be a problem |
Nasopharyngeal prong | Easy to pass tube | Possibly less good upper airway access |
Inspect most of upper airway | Laryngospasm in spontaneously |
Assess airway dynamics/malacia | ventilating child |
Does not limit size of bronchoscope | |
Laryngeal mask | Easy to position mask | Airway control suboptimal |
| Cannot assess upper airway |
| Cannot assess vocal cord movement |
| May limit size of bronchoscope |
Endotracheal intubation | Secure airway | Cannot assess airway dynamics/malacia |
Deep anaesthesia safe | Cannot assess upper airway |
Easy and quick to re-pass | Cannot assess vocal cord movement |
bronchoscope if necessary | May limit size of bronchoscope |