title: A preliminary assessment of the LMA protector™ in non-paralysed patients.
abstract: The LMA Protector™ is the latest CE marked single use supraglottic airway device. This airway device provides access and functional separation of the respiratory and digestive tracts. There are two ports (male, female ports) to provide suction in the laryngeal region and insertion of the gastric tube. The aim of our study is to assess the ease of use, airway quality, device positioning, airway leak and complications associated with initial clinical experience in LMA Protector™ usage.
  
  
  
  This is an initial investigation of LMA Protector™ airway device. We conducted a preliminary assessment in the anaesthetised women who underwent minor gynaecological procedures with spontaneous ventilation in order to evaluate the performance of the airway device.
  
  
  
  Insertion was successful on first and second attempts in 23 (88.5%) and 3 (11.5%) respectively. Median [IQR (range)] insertion time was 19 [17-21(14-58)] seconds. Airway leak pressure was 25.5 [23-29(21-30] cmH2O. On fibreoptic examination via the device, vocal cords were visible in all 26 patients. There were no alternative airway use or airway manipulations required during maintenance of anaesthesia. Six patients had sore throat 24 h after procedures and there was no dysphagia or hoarseness.
  
  
  
  This pilot study of the LMA protector shows that the device is easily inserted with fast insertion time, providing a reliable and adequate airway seal.
  
  
  
  Clinicaltrials.gov Registration NCT02531256 . Retrospectively registered on August 21, 2015.
authors.affiliation: Department of Women's Anaesthesia, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, Singapore. sng.ban.leong@singhealth.com.sg.|Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, Singapore. sng.ban.leong@singhealth.com.sg.
authors.forename: Ban Leong
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Sng
authors.affiliation: Department of Women's Anaesthesia, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Farida Binte
authors.initials: FB
authors.lastname: Ithnin
authors.affiliation: Department of Women's Anaesthesia, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Deepak
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Mathur
authors.affiliation: Department of Women's Anaesthesia, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Eileen
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Lew
authors.affiliation: Division of Clinical Support Services, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Nian-Lin Reena
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Han
authors.affiliation: Department of Women's Anaesthesia, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, 100 Bukit Timah Road, Singapore, Singapore.|Duke-NUS Medical School, 8 College Road, Singapore, Singapore.
authors.forename: Alex Tiong-Heng
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Sia
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal; D017214:Laryngeal Masks; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000209:etiology; D010865:Pilot Projects
keywords: Airway management; Anaesthesia; Laryngeal mask