Comparison of oropharyngeal leak pressure of I-gelTM and BlockbusterTM laryngeal mask airway in anaesthetized pediatric patients

Background Supraglottic airways (SGA) are increasingly used in pediatric anesthesia. Among SGA, I-gelTM is a commonly used device in pediatric patients. The BlockbusterTM laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is latest addition in pediatric airway armamentarium. This study was conducted to compare the clinical performance of I-gelTM and BlockbusterTM LMA in pediatric patients. Methods A total of 140 children aged 1–5 years, who were undergoing elective surgery, were randomized into two groups either I-gelTM (Group I) or BlockbusterTM LMA (Group B). Airway was secured with appropriate-sized LMA according to group allocation under general anesthesia. The primary objective of study was oropharyngeal leak pressures (OPLP), and secondary objectives were number of attempts of device insertion, success rate, ease of LMA insertion, hemodynamic parameters, and postoperative pharyngolaryngeal morbidities. Results The mean OPLP was significantly higher for I-gelTM compared to BlockbusterTM LMA (27.97 ± 1.65 vs. 26.04 ± 2.12; P < 0.001). The devices were successfully inserted on the first attempt in 97.14% and 90% of the Group I and Group B respectively. The insertion time, ease of insertion, hemodynamic parameters and postoperative complications were comparable between groups. Conclusions The I-gelTM was more efficacious device in term of OPLP than BlockbusterTM LMA for positive pressure ventilation in pediatric patients undergoing short surgical procedures under general anesthesia.