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Updated: May 19, 2026
Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) Placement in a Neonatal Patient Simulator Using a Non-Inflatable Supraglottic Airway (SGA)
Published on: July 14, 2023
Comparison of direct laryngoscopy to Pediatric King LT-D in simulated airways
Donald V Byars1, Richard A Brodsky, David Evans
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, USA.
Objectives:
Previous reports have shown a high rate of ventilation failure via direct laryngoscopy as compared with the King LT-D airway. This difference is further divergent in the pediatric population. The goal of this study was to compare the difference in efficacy of ventilation by prehospital providers in a simulated environment between direct laryngoscopy and Pedi-King LT-D.
Methods:
In this study, 37 paramedics were exposed to 2 identical 5-minute clinical scenarios in a simulation center using a pediatric simulation tool. In the first scenario, the provider was given all of the standard laryngoscopy equipment. In the second scenario, they were given access only to the Pedi-King LT-D. A comparison of adequate ventilation time between the scenarios was performed.
Results:
A mean improvement of 102 seconds was found when using the Pedi-King airway, with a clinically significant P < 0.0001.
Conclusions:
With a significant improvement in ventilation time in these simulated airways, consideration should be made to practice placement of the King Airway Device as first-line airway stabilization. Further live prospective studies would aid in this recommendation.
