LMA ProSealTM vs. i‐GelTM in ventilated children: A randomised, crossover study using the size 2 mask

Abstract

The Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) ProSeal(TM) and the i-Gel(TM) are two extraglottic devices with either an inflatable cuff or a non-inflatable cuff. We test the hypothesis that oropharyngeal leak pressure and fiberoptic position of the airway tube differ between the size 2 LMA ProSeal(TM) and the i-Gel(TM) in non-paralysed ventilated children. Fifty-one children aged 1.5-6 years weighing 10-25 kg were studied using a crossover design. Anaesthesia was with remifentanil/propofol mixture. The LMA ProSeal(TM) and the i-Gel(TM) were inserted into each patient in random order. Oropharyngeal leak pressure for the LMA ProSeal(TM) and the i-Gel(TM) was similar at 22 (5) and 21 (5) cm H(2) O, respectively. Fiberoptic position of the airway tube for the LMA ProSeal(TM) and the i-Gel(TM) was similar, with the vocal cords visible from the distal airway tube in 94% and 96%, respectively. We conclude that oropharyngeal leak pressure and fiberoptic position of the airway tube are similar for the size 2 LMA ProSeal(TM) and i-Gel(TM) in non-paralysed ventilated children.