The Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) Unique and the Air-Q Intubating Laryngeal Airway (ILA) in Pediatric Patients

The goal for this randomized, crossover investigation is to compare a disposable version of the standard LMA, LMA Unique TM,with the air-Q ILA in pediatric patients. Oropharyngeal leak pressure is commonly used as an indicator of airway seal adequacy. Similarly, flexible fiberoptic bronchoscope examination is often employed to assess proper placement of airway devices. Our hypothesis is that the air-Q ILA is superior to the standard LMA in both these regards:

• We hypothesize that airway leak pressures will be higher with the ILA. Airway leak pressures will be measured by recording the circuit pressure at which an equilibrium is reached.
• We hypothesize that flexible fiberoptic view of the airway will be superior with the ILA. The airway view will be assessed using a previously used and published grading scale.

Inclusion criteria

• Healthy children undergoing general anesthesia using a supraglottic airway device
• 6 months to 36 months of age
• 10 to 15 kilograms in weight

Exclusion criteria

• Active respiratory infection
• History of difficult mask ventilation
• Features or history of a difficult airway
• Gastrointestinal reflux disease
• Clinically significant pulmonary disease