Protection from aspiration with the LMA-ProSeal after vomiting: a case report

Abstract

Purpose: To describe a case of vomiting with a laryngeal mask airway ProSeal(TM) (PLMA) in situ. The new design features of the PLMA and their role in protection from aspiration are discussed.

Clinical features: A 27-yr-old female underwent bilateral reduction mammoplasty under general anesthesia utilizing a PLMA for airway management. During transfer to the postanesthesia care unit, she had an episode of active vomiting with the PLMA still in situ. The vomitus was expelled via the drain tube bypassing the pharynx entirely. Clinically, there was no evidence of aspiration and the patient had an uneventful recovery.

Conclusion: This case provides evidence that the drain tube of the PLMA directs vomitus away from the airway when properly positioned and may have prevented aspiration in an anesthetized patient.