Haemodynamic and catecholamine stress responses to the Laryngeal Tube-Suction Airway and the Proseal Laryngeal Mask Airway

Supraglottic airway devices such as the ProSeal Laryngeal Mask Airway(TM) (PLMA) and Laryngeal Tube-Suction(TM) Airway (LTS) that provoke the least stress responses could be beneficial in many situations, especially in patients with cardiovascular disease. We compared the haemodynamic and catecholamine stress response of the LTS and PLMA in a randomised study of 36 patients. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate, epinephrine and norepinephrine levels were all reduced following induction of anaesthesia with no significant differences between the two groups. Following insertion of LTS, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, epinephrine and norepinephrine levels increased to pre-induction levels. However, following the insertion of the PLMA, mean arterial pressure, heart rate, epinephrine and norepinephrine levels remained significantly lower than pre-induction values. Mean arterial pressure, heart rate and epinephrine were significantly greater in the LTS group than in the PLMA group. We conclude that the LTS produces a greater and more sustained haemodynamic and catecholamine stress response than does the PLMA.