CARDIOVASCULAR-RESPONSE TO INSERTION OF BRAINS LARYNGEAL MASK

This study was designed to investigate the cardiovascular effects related to insertion of the Brain laryngeal mask airway and to compare these effects with those after insertion of a Guedel oral airway. Arterial pressure and heart rate in 100 patients were measured using an Ohmeda 2300 Finapres arterial pressure monitor. Arterial pressure decreased significantly (p < 0.001) and heart rate increased significantly (p < 0.001) after induction of anaesthesia with 2.5 mg/kg of propofol. A significant increase in arterial pressure (p < 0.02) and in heart rate (p < 0.001) followed insertion of the laryngeal mask and the Guedel airway, with no difference between the two groups at any time. The changes in arterial pressure and heart rate returned to ‘at insertion’ levels within 60 seconds of the stimulus. Copyright © 1990, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved