Fig. 2.

Flexible fiberoptic laryngo-tracheo-bronchoscopy (FFB) image of the pharynx and a schema. (a) The first FFB revealed that the posterior soft palate and uvula was coming in contact with the base of the tongue, obscuring the posterior pharyngeal wall from view. (b)Since the image quality was insufficient, the schema is shown as an explanation of (a). ^*: soft palate, ^**: lateral pharyngeal band, ^†: uvula, ^‡: base of tongue. (c) The second FFB following treatment revealed that the soft palate no longer touched the base of the tongue and the airway was more open than in (a). Both examinations were performed under sedation, and both images were taken during inhalation.