Optimal Size AMBU® Laryngeal Mask Airway Among Asian Adult Population
Tang, M.Y.; Tang, I.P.; Wang, C.Y.
Medical Journal of Malaysia 69(4): 151-155
2014
ISSN/ISBN: 0300-5283 PMID: 25500841 Document Number: 675158
This was a randomized single blinded study to determine optimal size for Ambu®LMA (ALMA) among Malaysian adult population. One hundred and twenty six non-paralyzed anaesthetized adult patients were block randomized into size 3, 4 and 5 Ambu®LMA. Optimal size is defined primarily by oropharyngeal pressure (OLP). Pharyngeal injury and ease of insertion are also taken into consideration. Mean OLP was significantly higher for Size 4 and 5 compared to size 3 (p<0.001) but similar between size 4 and 5. Number of insertion attempts and insertion time were similar between sizes. Size 5 required more manipulations during insertion (p<0.005) and had higher pharyngeal injury (p=0.001) compared to size 3 and 4. We recommend size 4 ALMA as the optimal size for Malaysian adults in view of the higher OLP compared to size 3, yet less pharyngeal injury than size 5 in spontaneously breathing patients.