Laryngospasm as a Cause of Unsuccessful Placement of Laryngeal Mask Airway ProSeal: A Case Report.

Laryngospasm is a potential complication encountered during anesthesia using a laryngeal mask airway (LMA). We report a case in which laryngospasm resulted in unsuccessful placement of an LMA ProSeal Airway (Teleflex Inc), and we discuss the various causes of unsuccessful placement of this type of airway device. Laryngospasm causes increased resistance to gas flow by inducing closure of vocal cords, aryepiglottic fold, and periglottic tissue. In this case report, the laryngospasm-induced increased resistance to gas flow was manifested by exaggerated outward movement of the LMA ProSeal following its connection to gas flows and thus resulted in failed airway placement. The possibility of laryngospasm as a cause of failed placement of an LMA ProSeal must be considered in clinical practice.