ILMA Highly Effective in Both Lean and Obese Patients

The intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) has ventilation and intubation success rates of approximately 100% and 95%, respectively, and its effective use in obese patients has been demonstrated in multiple studies. To more directly compare use of the ILMA in lean patients and obese patients for both ventilation and intubation, investigators studied 50 lean (BMI <30 kg/m²) and 50 obese (BMI >35 kg/m²) patients undergoing general anesthesia for elective surgery. Patients with known gastroesophageal reflux disease or pathologic airway anatomy were excluded.

Before surgery, patients were assessed for Mallampati score, interincisor distance, and thyromental distance. ILMAs were inserted and inflated by eight anesthesiologists who had experience…