We report the management of failed intubation in a critically ill, hypoxic and catabolic patient with sepsis and acute lung injury. Insertion of a laryngeal mask airway restored ventilation and corrected hypoxia. As the laryngeal mask provides only a temporary airway, it was essential to secure the airway by percutaneous tracheostomy to initiate mechanical ventilation.
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MylesP.S., VenemaH.R., LindholmD.E.Trauma patient managed with the laryngeal mask airway and percutaneous tracheostomy after failed intubation. Med J Aust1994; 161: 640.
