title: A cohort evaluation of the pediatric ProSeal laryngeal mask airway in 100 children.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) has been available in pediatric sizes in the UK since 2007. Although several non-UK studies have evaluated PLMAs in children, there are little published data regarding their use in this country. Having decided to introduce the pediatric PLMA into our practice, we chose to prospectively audit the first 100 uses as part of our clinical governance.
  
  
  METHODS
  We studied children undergoing elective surgery who were considered suitable for a supraglottic airway. We recorded patient, surgical and insertion details, device performance data and complications. Patient management was not altered by inclusion in this audit.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty size 1.5, 55 size 2.0, 15 size 2.5 and 10 size 3.0 PLMAs were inserted in 100 consecutive children [median age 2 years (range 2 months to 10 years) and median weight 15 kg (range 4.9-60 kg)]. The overall first attempt success rate was 93% (size 1.5, 100%; size 2.0, 100%; size 2.5, 87%; size 3.0, 90%) and overall successful insertion rate was 99%. Median leak pressure was 25 cmH(2)O. Outright failure was seen in one patient; complications were seen in another six patients (partial airway obstruction in five patients and mild laryngospasm in one patient), all of whom were transient and none of whom required intubation. No episodes of regurgitation were recorded.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Even without prior experience and using nonconventional insertion, pediatric PLMAs (including size 1.5) can be easily inserted and provide an effective airway.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anaesthesia, Bristol Royal Hospital for Children, Bristol, UK.
authors.forename: Fiona
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sale
authors.forename: Guy
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Bayley
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Cook
authors.forename: Peter
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Stoddart
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: White
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000399:Air Pressure; D000769:Anesthesia, Inhalation; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015331:Cohort Studies; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D017214:Laryngeal Masks / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008485:Medical Audit; D012121:Respiration, Artificial / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods