The British Journal of Anaesthesia

Abstract

Seventy-five inexperienced participants were timed inserting the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and the intubating laryngeal mask (ILM) in one of five cadavers. Adequacy of ventilation was assessed on a three-point scale depending on chest expansion and air leak. Participants were also asked to intubate the trachea via the ILM. The ILM was inserted faster than the LMA (P < 0.05) with a greater proportion achieving adequate ventilation after their first attempt (P < 0.05). Tracheal intubation via the ILM was completed successfully by 67% (52 of 75) of participants. In a questionnaire, participants stated that the ILM was easier to use and the preferred device in an emergency. The results suggest that inexperienced practitioners should use the ILM rather than the LMA for emergency ventilation.