LMA® Gastro™: A paediatric experience

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Pediatric Gastroenterology

Background:

• The LMA® Gastro™ is a novel airway device designed for upper gastrointestinal endoscopy.
• Previous validation studies focused on adult populations, leaving a gap in pediatric data.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the LMA® Gastro™ in a pediatric population for elective upper GI endoscopy.
• To assess airway and endoscopy outcomes associated with the LMA® Gastro™ in children.

Main Methods:

• Prospective data collection over four months using a pre-existing endoscopy audit framework.
• Inclusion of 55 pediatric patients undergoing elective upper GI endoscopy with the LMA® Gastro™ as the primary airway device.
• Data captured by the treating anesthesiologist included airway and endoscopy outcomes.

Main Results:

• The LMA® Gastro™ provided an adequate airway in 94.5% of patients (52/55).
• Successful insertion on the first attempt was achieved in 88.5% of cases, with 96.2% rated as 'easy' by anesthesiologists.
• Endoscopy success rate was 100% in patients with a successfully inserted airway, with 98% first-pass esophageal access.

Conclusions:

• The LMA® Gastro™ is a highly successful airway device for pediatric patients undergoing elective upper GI endoscopy.
• The device offers a valuable option for airway management and facilitates successful endoscopic procedures in children.
• Despite initial inexperience, the LMA® Gastro™ demonstrated high efficacy and safety in this pediatric cohort.