Seung Eun Song

Jeju National University College of Medicine
Republic of Korea

Abstract Title: Unanticipated Vallecular Cyst Causing Supraglottic Airway Failure During General Anesthesia: A Case Report

Biography: Seung Eun Song, MD, MS is an Assistant Professor (Endowed) of Anesthesiology at Jeju National University Hospital. She earned an MS from Jeju National University School of Medicine, completed anesthesiology training, and previously served as a Clinical Instructor at Seoul National University Hospital. Her clinical and research interests include difficult airway management and perioperative hemodynamics.

Research Interest: Vallecular cysts can convert routine SAD ventilation into failure by displacing or obstructing supraglottic structures. When unexplained high airway pressures (>35 cmH₂O) and low capnography values (<20 mmHg) occur after SAD insertion, early transition to video laryngoscopy or flexible bronchoscopy is the most direct way to diagnose the lesion and secure the airway. A predefined escalation pathway—with backup devices and readiness for emergency front-of-neck access—is essential because a normal preoperative assessment does not exclude occult pathology