Conditions for Insertion of the Laryngeal Mask Airway in an Innovative Method vs the Classic Method

A laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is a simple and non-invasive device used to establish the airway and maintain ventilation and oxygenation during short-duration medical procedures.

This study aimed to compare the placement of an LMA using an innovative technique vs the classic method.

This clinical trial was conducted at Faiz Hospital in Isfahan. Out of 110 candidates for elective eye surgery, 10 patients were excluded from the study as they did not meet the inclusion criteria. Ultimately, 100 patients were randomly allocated to 2 groups of 50 each. One group underwent LMA insertion using the classic method, while the other group underwent insertion using the face-to-face triple maneuver technique (FFTMT). Data, including laryngeal mask insertion conditions, hemodynamic responses, and clinical complications, were collected, entered into SPSS version 26, and analyzed.

There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of laryngeal mask placement time (P = 0.061), number of attempts to place the LMA (P = 0.059), oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP; P = 0.942), frequency of hoarseness (P > 0.99), or laryngospasm (P > 0.99). However, it is noteworthy that FFTMT appeared to provide easier placement of the LMA (P < 0.0001), required fewer attempts, and offered better quality of ventilation with a lower presence of blood on the cuff (P = 0.038). Conversely, the FFTMT group had a higher frequency of sore throat (P < 0.0001).

The performance of LMA using FFTMT is comparable to the classic method. In procedures under general anesthesia where the surgeon has access to the patient's head and neck (such as cataract surgery), airway management with LMA using FFTMT (while maintaining the patient's sterile covering) appears to be effective in case of an emergency.