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The size 1.5 laryngeal mask airway (LMA) in paediatric anaesthetic practice
1Birmingham Children's Hospital, Birmingham, UK. sue.spargo@bhamchildrens.wmids.nhs.uk
Insights
The size 1.5 laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is useful for infants weighing 5-10 kg, but complications like airway obstruction were frequent, especially in younger children.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Pediatric Anesthesia
- Airway Management
Background:
- A new size 1.5 laryngeal mask airway (LMA) has been developed for pediatric patients weighing 5-10 kg.
- This device is intended for routine surgical procedures in infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively evaluate the clinical use and safety of the size 1.5 LMA in pediatric patients.
- To determine the incidence and nature of complications associated with its use.
Main Methods:
- Prospective evaluation of 68 pediatric patients (mean age 8.7 months) undergoing surgery.
- Data collection on LMA placement, airway events, and complications.
Main Results:
- A high overall complication rate of 42% was observed.
- Complications, including airway obstruction and laryngospasm, were more frequent in younger patients.
- Seven critical incidents occurred, predominantly related to LMA use.
Conclusions:
- The size 1.5 LMA is a valuable device for airway management in eligible infants.
- The complication rate is significant and inversely proportional to the child's age, necessitating careful monitoring.
Background:
The recently introduced size 1.5 laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is specifically designed for use in children weighing 5-10 kg.
Methods:
We prospectively evaluated its use in 68 patients, mean age 8.7 months, who were undergoing a variety of routine surgical procedures.
Results:
The overall incidence of complications was high (42%) and was significantly more common in younger patients. Most of these related to poor positioning of the LMA, or airway problems such as obstruction or laryngospasm. Critical incidents occurred in seven patients, and all but one of these was related to the use of an LMA.
Conclusions:
The size 1.5 LMA is a useful addition to the range available, although the overall complication rate is considerable and is inversely related to the age of the child.