A simple method of partial inflation of the LMA cuff before insertion in children to allow cuff pressure without adjustment after insertion

BACKGROUND: The cuff of the laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is preferred to be partially inflated before insertion in pediatric cases. However, it is not known how much inflation is appropriate. In addition, intra-cuff pressure is not routinely monitored in many institutions despite the fact that a neglected high cuff pressure could cause several complications. This study was conducted to determine whether the cuff inflated with its resting volume before insertion could have a clinically tolerable intra-cuff pressure after insertion. METHODS: One hundred fifty unpremedicated children aged 0 to 9 yrs were enrolled. The pilot balloon valve was connected to a piston-free syringe to keep the valve open to the atmosphere and allowing the pressure within the cuff of to LMA to equalize to atmospheric pressure. Anesthesia was induced with 6 vol% of sevoflurane in oxygen. After insertion and final positioning of the LMA, the intra-cuff pressure was measured using a cuff pressure manometer. RESULTS: The mean intra-cuff pressure was 50 ± 12.9 cmH(2)O; intra-cuff pressures were 39.1 ± 9.3, 51.6 ± 11.2, and 64.6 ± 12.5 cmH(2)O for LMAs of sizes 1.5, 2, and 2.5, respectively. Intra-cuff pressure of more than 60 cmH(2)O was measured in 26 patients, and the median value was 70 cmH(2)O. There was weak statistical correlation among age, height, and weight with intra-cuff pressure. CONCLUSIONS: The cuff inflated by the resting volume before insertion may be a simple method for guaranteeing tolerable cuff pressure after insertion.