Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2015 | Research article
Pre-warming the Streamlined Liner of the Pharynx Airway (SLIPA™) improves fitting to the laryngeal structure: a randomized, double-blind study
Published in: BMC Anesthesiology | Issue 1/2015
Login to get accessAbstract
Background
The Streamlined Liner of the Pharynx Airway (SLIPA), a type of supraglottic airway, has a non-inflatable cuff that softens at body temperature to fit the laryngeal structure. We investigated whether pre-warming of SLIPA to body temperature may improve insertion parameters.
Methods
Ninety adult patients were assigned equally randomized to either Group W or Group R. Anesthesia was induced using propofol, fentanyl, and rocuronium. In Group W, the SLIPA was warmed to 37 ° C before insertion, whereas in Group R, it was inserted at room temperature. The insertion time, oropharyngeal leak pressure, postoperative throat pain, blood staining, regurgitation, number of attempts at insertion, and difficulty of insertion were compared between the two groups.
Results
The insertion time was shorter in Group W than in Group R (3.60 [3.15–4.06] s vs. 6.00 [4.45–7.50] s; P < 0.001). Oropharyngeal leak pressure from the time of insertion until 3 min after insertion was significantly higher in Group W than in Group R (P < 0.05). Postoperative throat pain, measured using the visual analog scale, was lower in Group W than in Group R (0.00 [0.00–2.50] vs. 2.00 [0.00–4.50]; P = 0.006). The difficulty of insertion was lower in Group W than in Group R (P < 0.004). There were no significant differences in terms of blood staining, regurgitation, and number of attempts.
Conclusions
Pre-warming the SLIPA to body temperature has significant benefits compared to maintaining the device at room temperature. Specifically, insertion was easier, both insertion and fitting to the laryngeal structure could be performed more quickly, and the incidence of sore throat was reduced.
Trial registration
Clinical Research Information Identifier NCT01209000