In cadavers, directly measured mucosal pressures are similar for the Unique and the Soft Seal laryngeal mask airway devices.

PURPOSE: We compare the Soft Seal and Unique single-use, plastic laryngeal mask airway devices with respect to intracuff pressure, directly measured mucosal pressure and in vitro elastance.

METHODS: Ten fresh male cadavers were studied. Microchip pressure sensors were attached to the following locations: A) the anterior middle part of the cuff side; B) the posterior tip of the cuff; C) the anterior base of the cuff; D) the posterior middle part of the cuff side; E) the backplate; and F) the posterior tube. The size 5 Unique and size 5 Soft Seal were inserted in random order using laryngoscope-guidance. Intracuff pressure and mucosal pressure were documented at 0 to 40 mL cuff volume in 10 mL increments. In vitro elastance was determined between 20 to 40 mL cuff volume.

RESULTS: For both devices, mucosal pressure increased with cuff volume at most locations. Intracuff pressures and in vitro elastance (5.2 +/- 0.7 cm H(2)O/mL vs 3.8 +/- 0.4 cm H(2)O/mL, P < 0.0001) were higher for the Unique than the Soft Seal (P < 0.0001), but there were no differences in mucosal pressures at any location or cuff volume.

CONCLUSION: Intracuff pressures and in vitro elastance are higher for the Unique than the Soft Seal, but mucosal pressures are similar suggesting that the airway morbidity will be similar.