An artificial airway assembly for ventilating a patient, is provided, comprising a flexible airway tube having a proximal end and a distal end, adapted to guide a working tool to an operating position to view vocal cords and trachea of the patient, said flexible airway tube comprising at least one locally weakened and tearable course adapted to permit detachment of at least a section of said airway tube while maintaining said working tool in said operating position； and a mask fixedly secured to said distal end of said flexible airway tube, said mask having conforming means for conforming to a space immediately adjacent to the larynx of the patient to properly position said working tool. In alternative embodiments, the assembly further includes an inflatable balloon that directs the airway tube toward the patient's trachea.
