An implementation program targeted at non-physician, anaesthesia assistants improves the quality of laryngeal mask anaesthesia.

The laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is used to facilitate adequate ventilation in the majority of procedures requiring general anaesthesia in the UK. Excessive LMA cuff pressure and/or volume, generated by injection of air to form an adequate seal within the upper airway, has been associated with pharyngolaryngeal morbidity, an indicator of quality in anaesthetic practice. However, measurement of LMA cuff pressure to limit excessive cuff pressure is not routine practice, despite trial data showing this reduces adverse outcomes.

Endotracheal tube cuff pressure monitoring: a review of the evidence.

Tracheal intubation constitutes a routine part of anaesthetic practice both in the operating theatre as well as in the care of critically ill patients. The procedure is estimated to be performed 13-20 million times annually in the United States alone. There has been a recent renewal of interest in the morbidity associated with endotracheal tube cuff overinflation, particularly regarding the rationale and requirement for endotracheal tube cuff monitoring intra-operatively.