A randomized crossover comparison of the size 2 1/2 laryngeal mask airway ProSeal versus laryngeal mask airway-Classic in pediatric patients.

The laryngeal mask airway (LMA)-ProSeal (P-LMA) forms a more effective seal than the LMA-Classic (C-LMA) and facilitates gastric tube (g-tube) placement in adults. The first pediatric sizes of P-LMA recently became available. In 30 anesthetized, nonparalyzed children, aged 7.7 +/- 2 yr and weighing 27 (20-35) kg, we inserted the size (1/2) P-LMA and C-LMA in random order. Ease of insertion, quality of initial airway, fiberoptic position, airway leak pressure, and maximum tidal volume were determined. G-tube placement was assessed for the P-LMA. Ease of insertion was similar for both devices. The quality of the initial airway was better for the P-LMA (P = 0.01). Airway leak pressure in neutral head position (22.6 versus 18.5 mbar; P = 0.003), maximum flexion (37 versus 26.3 mbar; P < 0.001), maximum extension (15.2 versus 13 mbar; P = 0.045), and maximum tidal volume (1088 versus 949 mL; P = 0.002) were significantly better for the P-LMA. Air entry into the stomach occurred with the C-LMA but not with the P-LMA (P = 0.014). G-tube placement was possible in all patients. The reliability of g-tube placement and the significantly increased airway leak pressure found in this investigation might have important implications for use of the size (1/2) P-LMA for positive pressure ventilation in children.