Feasibility of forced oscillatory assessment of respiratory mechanics across a laryngeal mask airway in rabbits

OBJECTIVES The forced oscillation technique (FOT) is the method of choice for assessment of respiratory tissue mechanics. A laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is increasingly used to secure the airways in subjects under sedation or general anesthesia. While FOT is routinely performed using an endotracheal tube (ETT), the accuracy of information about airway and tissue mechanics obtained with FOT using a LMA has not been characterized. Therefore, we compared the mechanical parameters obtained with FOT using LMA and ETT in rabbits. APPROACH FOT was performed through a LMA at normal and reduced oscillatory amplitudes in anesthetized and mechanically ventilated rabbits (n = 9) at positive end-expiratory pressures (PEEP) of 3 and 6 cmH2O. These measurements were repeated at normal amplitude for the same animal using an ETT. Airway resistance, inertance, respiratory tissue damping (G) and elastance (H) were measured under each condition by FOT. The potential bias of the distensible upper airways when FOT was applied using LMA was assessed with a simulation study. MAIN RESULTS Values of parameters reflecting airway mechanics were significantly higher when measured using LMA at both PEEPs and oscillatory amplitudes than with ETT. Conversely, regardless of the condition, there was a correlation (r = 0.89 both at normal and reduced amplitudes; p