A Multicenter Study of the Protector Laryngeal Mask in Non Paralyzed, Anesthetized Patients

Laryngeal masks (LM) and supraglottic devices (SGD), in all their different forms, have become an authentic innovation in airway management especially in day surgery.

LMA Protector (Teleflex Medical, Athlone, Ireland) is a new disposable SGD currently available for anaesthetic practice. It is made of silicone (with no latex in its composition) and shares some of the characteristics of the second generation SGDs (as the presence of a gastric access channel); however, it has an additional drainage channel, both channels terminate distally in a camera behind the mask cuff. The presence of two drainage channels ("male" and "female") increases the patient safety against regurgitation, both of distal gastric content and secretions located in the oropharyngeal region. The gastric access channel called "female" also allows the insertion of a nasogastric tube if required. These drainage channels are useful for diagnosing the correct position of the mask, since the observation of leaks or gas through it can help diagnose a displacement the mask.

LMA Protector is designed with a preformed anatomic curve, and the airway conduct has an elliptical cross section, which ends distally in the mask. This design follows the anatomy of the human airway, which facilitates the insertion of the device. The softness of the mask material allows easy insertion.

Doubts regarding the transmission of infectious diseases with reusable devices makes disposable devices such as LMA Protector, one of the most interesting devices for use in anaesthetic procedures that are usually performed with SGD.

Its characteristics in the design, composition by a smooth and atraumatic material, the presence of two gastric drainage accesses, with potential improved patient safety and its characteristic of being disposable suggests a significant expansion of its use in the coming years .