LMA® Gastro™: A paediatric experience

The laryngeal mask airway, the LMA® Gastro™ (Teleflex Medical, Athlone, Ireland), is a novel airway device which permits upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy to be performed via a dedicated large calibre oesophageal lumen. It has been validated in adult studies, but to our knowledge, there have been no data published regarding its use in a paediatric population. Following a brief education programme, the LMA Gastro was introduced on a trial basis at our institution and made freely available. Over a four-month period, our pre-existing endoscopy audit framework captured data on a total of 55 patients who had the LMA Gastro device chosen as the primary airway for elective upper GI endoscopy. These data were collected prospectively by the treating anaesthetist and included a range of airway and endoscopy outcomes. Of the 55 patients, the LMA Gastro provided an adequate airway in 52 (94.5%). Forty-six (88.5%) were sited on first attempt, and 50 (96.2%) insertions were rated 'easy' by the anaesthetist. Aside from three insertion failures, there were no airway events. The endoscopy success rate was 100% in the 52 patients who had an LMA Gastro airway successfully inserted. First-pass oesophageal access was achieved in 51 (98%) cases, and 100% of insertions were rated 'easy' by the gastroenterologist. Despite our relative inexperience with it, the device had a high success rate for airway maintenance and oesophageal access in our paediatric patient population. In our institution, the LMA Gastro provided a useful airway option in older children undergoing elective upper GI endoscopy.