Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) Placement in a Neonatal Patient Simulator Using a Non-Inflatable Supraglottic Airway (SGA)
Published on: July 14, 2023
Clinical Evaluation of a Non-inflatable Visual Laryngeal Mask Airway: A Prospective Service Assessment in Elective
Sabrina Migliorelli1, Giuseppe Pascarella1, Alessandro Strumia1
1Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, ITA.
Background:
The non-inflatable visual laryngeal mask airway (V-LMA, Tuoren Medical) integrates a high-definition optical channel with an anatomically pre-shaped, non-inflatable cuff, enabling real-time visualization and potentially reducing airway trauma. This prospective service assessment aimed to provide preliminary clinical data on the performance of the V-LMA in elective anesthesia and in predicted difficult airway management.
Methods:
Thirty-eight adult patients were included, of whom eight had predicted difficult airways based on an El-Ganzouri Risk Index score >4. Primary outcomes included time to ventilation, quality of visualization, and seal performance. Secondary outcomes included gastric insufflation, need for repositioning, mucosal trauma, and postoperative symptoms.
Results:
Successful device placement was achieved in all patients. The mean time to effective ventilation was 28 ± 4 seconds. Glottic visualization was consistently excellent in all cases. No gastric insufflation, postoperative mucosal injury, or patient-reported discomfort was observed. Device performance remained reliable even in patients with predicted difficult airways.
Conclusion:
The V-LMA enables rapid, atraumatic, and visually guided airway management, demonstrating excellent performance even in challenging airway conditions. It may serve as a useful first-line supraglottic airway device (SAD) when maintenance of oxygenation is the primary priority.
Related Concept Videos
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Equipment Required
Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...
Tracheostomy Decannulation
Description of the Procedure
Decannulation refers to the permanent removal of the tracheostomy tube, signaling the resolution of the condition that initially necessitated the tracheostomy. The process requires a well-coordinated interplay between...

