Randomised Comparison of the LMA Supreme with the I-Gel in Spontaneously Breathing Anaesthetised Adult Patients (Report‪)‬

Since the introduction of the LMA Classic[TM] laryngeal mask airway (Intravent Orthofix, Maidenhead, UK) in 1983 (1) it has gained widespread popularity (2). The LMA Supreme[TM] (SLMA) and the I-Gel[TM] are two newly developed disposable supraglottic airway devices. The claimed potential advantages of both devices include easier insertion, more effective ventilation, better airway protection, minimal tissue compression and stability following insertion (3-5). The SLMA is a single-use LMA with a built-in gastric drain tube, elliptical airway tube for easy placement and prevention of kinking, an integral bite-block, a large pre-curved cuff for effective airway seal, moulded fins in the cuff to protect the airway from epiglottic folding and a reinforced tip and moulded distal cuff to prevent folding at the tip.