Comparison of oropharyngeal leak pressure of I-gel™ and Blockbuster™ laryngeal mask airway in anaesthetized pediatric patients

Background: Supraglottic airways (SGA) are increasingly used in pediatric anesthesia. Among SGA, I-gel (TM) is a commonly used device in pediatric patients. The Blockbuster (TM) laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is latest addition in pediatric airway armamentarium. This study was conducted to compare the clinical performance of I-gel (TM) and Blockbuster (TM) 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-gel (TM) (Group I) or Blockbuster (TM) LMA (Group B). Air-way 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-gel (TM) compared to Blockbuster (TM) 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 compa-rable between groups. Conclusions: The I-gel (TM) was more efficacious device in term of OPLP than Blockbuster (TM) LMA for positive pressure ventilation in pediatric patients undergoing short surgical proce-dures under general anesthesia.