Anesthesia Induction Using the Air-Q™ Supraglottic Airway Device in a Neonate with Suspected Difficulty of Facemask Ventilation due to Large Oral Tumor Masses

Introduction: This case report describes the use of a Supraglottic airway device, air-Q™ as a substitute for facemask ventilation in the induction of anesthesia in a neonate with oral tumors. Case presentation: A 6-day-old female with large oral tumors extruding from her mouth was scheduled to undergo surgery, but difficulty using the facemask ventilation was predicted. Therefore, we planned assisted ventilation using the air-Q™ laryngeal mask airway for anesthesia induction before tracheal intubation. Conclusion: Replacing facemask ventilation with the use of the air-Q™ to induce anesthesia led to successful ventilation and oxygenation of the neonate; subsequent tracheal intubation could be performed safely after intravenous administration of a muscle relaxant.