The Cumulative Sum Method was Used to Simulate the Learning Curve of Two Kinds of Double-tube Laryngeal Mask in the Condition of Tongue Edema and Pharyngeal Swelling
Objective: This study was to explore the number of attempts
required by inexperienced anesthesiology residents to use different doubletube
laryngeal mask (I-gel and Suprume) in the difficult airway setting of
human manikin, and to establish the relevant learning curve. Methods: In this
research, 20 inexperienced anesthesiology residents were asked to insert two
kinds of double-tube laryngeal mask(LMA) in 120 seconds under the condition
of tongue edema and pharyngeal swelling simulated by human manikin, and
were checked by fiberoptic bronchoscope. The difficulty of inserting the LMA
and simulation fidelity were evaluated by the 10-point scale, and the learning
curve was generated by cumulative sum method. Results: With Suprume,
18 of the 20 residents were able to pass the acceptable failure rate boundary
(h0, lower decision boundary) in 20 times with a median number of 18[95%
confidence interval (CI) = 16.82-19.18] attempts. Whereas in I-gel, 17 residentswere able to pass h0 in 20 attempts, and the median number of 17 (95% CI =
15.65-18.35)attempts. Total success rate was found significantly higher with
Suprume compared with I-gel (362 / 400 vs 337 / 400, respectively, p<0.05).
Insertion with Suprume was considered as less difficult compared with I-gel
[median of 5 (95% CI = 4.81-5.19) and 7 (95% CI = 6.78-7.22), respectively,
p<0.05] . The simulation fidelity was rated as a median of 6 (95% CI = 5.34-6.52).
Conclusion: Although a similar amount of attempts were required to reach the
predetermined competency for both LMAs, 17 residents were able to obtain the
targeted success using I-gel as compared with 18 with Suprume. Inexperienced
residents found insertion via supreme less difficult than I-gel. In this study, it
was observed that the individual variability in obtaining competency with the
cumulative sum analysis underlines the importance of defining success a priori
to simulation of the LMA placement skills. Individual skills of resident need to
be developed continuously. The skills training center needs to provide enough
training times to enable residents to master skills. Learning opportunities
should be adjusted accordingly.