Insertion methods comparison for The Streamlined Liner of the Pharynx Airway in children by novice

The Streamlined Liner of the Pharynx Airway (SLIPA™) is a popular supraglottic airway device used for pediatric anesthesia. However, based on the anatomical features of pediatric patients, novice residents are expected to have difficulties inserting the device. The objective of this work was to improve the SLIPA insertion by modifying the device.

A total of 134 children were randomized into two groups. Anesthesia was standardized among all patients except for the way in which the SLIPA was inserted. One group underwent the conventional method of insertion (Group C), while the modified group received a SLIPA that was bent120° at the 'bridge' point with an intubating stylet (Group M). The primary outcome was insertion success rate, and the secondary outcomes included insertion time, incidence of complications and hemodynamic responses to insertion.

The insertion success rate was significantly higher in Group M than Group C (94% vs. 73%, Χ² = 10.659, P = 0.001). The insertion time for Group M [29.31 (25.91-35.60) seconds] was shorter than for Group C [34.72 (26.81-42.58) seconds] (Z = -2.381, P = 0.017). Trends in heart rate (F = 0.260, P = 0.794), mean blood pressure (F = 0.167, P = 0.683) did not significantly differ between the two groups over time. In terms of complications, we found no significant differences between groups (P > 0.05).

The 120° bend improved SLIPA insertion when performed by novice, as reflected by higher insertion success rates and shorter insertion times, with no statistical differences in hemodynamic response to insertion or the incidence rates of complications between the two groups.