A Comparison of the Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) Supreme and I-gel in Children

A Randomized Trial Comparing the Laryngeal Mask Airway-SupremeTM With the i-gelTM in Children

The aim of this randomized prospective study is to compare two single-use laryngeal mask airways with a provision of a gastric drain tube allowing for evacuation of gastric contents, the i-gel and the LMA Supreme, in pediatric patients undergoing positive pressure ventilation. The investigators hypothesize that airway leak pressures with the i-gel will not be significantly different clinically (higher) when compared with the LMA Supreme.

The goal of this study is to compare the LMA Supreme and i-gel in children having surgery. The investigators hypothesize that airway leak pressures with the i-gel will not be significantly different clinically (higher) when compared with the LMA Supreme. Airway leak pressures will be measured by recording the circuit pressure at which equilibrium is reached. The ease of placement, fiberoptic grade of laryngeal view, feasibility of use during positive pressure ventilation, ease of gastric tube placement, and complications (airway related, gastric insufflation, and trauma) will also be assessed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Children undergoing general anesthesia using a supraglottic airway device
• weight 5-50 kg
• age 3 months-11 years

Exclusion Criteria:

• ASA class IV, V Emergency procedures
• active respiratory infection
• known history of difficult mask ventilation
• a diagnosis of a congenital syndrome associated with difficult airway management
• airway abnormalities (e.g., laryngomalacia, subglottic stenosis)
• active gastrointestinal reflux
• coagulopathy
• clinically significant pulmonary disease(s)