OPTIMAL SHAPE OF THE LARYNGEAL MASK CUFF - THE INFLUENCE OF 3 DEFLATION TECHNIQUES

A randomised, single-blinded, controlled trial was conducted to determ ine ifa new laryngeal mask deflation tool offered any advantages over manual or free deflation. Ten laryngeal mask airways were tested and t he deflation tool provided a significantly superior and more consisten t shape than either hand manipulation or the free deflation, but did n ot offer any benefits in terms of residual volume. The deflator tool s hould encourage wider use of the standard recommended insertion techni que. It can be used as a backup when manual deflation cannot provide t he correct shape and may be useful for researchers studying laryngeal mask airway placement.