ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01364103.

Summary The purpose of this study was to assess whether ultrasonography is useful for determining uncuffed tracheal tube sizes for paediatric patients. The equation for selecting the correctly sized tracheal tube was developed using data on the subglottic diameter measured by ultrasonography and air leak test. The efficacy of the new equation was evaluated by comparing it with the conventional age‐based formula (4 + age/4) in another 100 patients. Tracheal tube sizes were selected using two methods, and air leakage pressure was measured after each intubation. The ultrasonographic method allowed the correct tube size to be selected in 60% of cases, whereas the age‐based method enabled this in 31% of cases (p < 0.001). Ultrasound can offer a useful means of selecting correct tracheal tube size compared with the age‐based formula in paediatric patients. However, even using ultrasound, the success rate of correct tube size selection is still not very high. You can respond to this article at http://www.anaesthesiacorrespondence.com

SummaryWe performed a prospective, randomised trial comparing the i-gel TM with the LMA Classic TM in children undergoing general anaesthesia. Ninety-nine healthy patients were randomly assigned to either the i-gel or the LMA Classic There was no significant difference in oropharyngeal leak pressure between the two devices. A good fibreoptic view of the glottis was obtained in 74% of the i-gel group and in 43% of the LMA Classic group (p < 0.001). There were no significant complications. In conclusion, the i-gel provided a similar leak pressure, but a shorter insertion time and improved glottic view compared with the LMA Classic in children.

During SCV catheterization under US guidance in paediatric patients, the SC approach yielded a shorter puncture time and decreased the incidence of guidewire misplacement when compared with the IC approach.

The Radical-7 Pulse CO-Oximeter can be useful as a trend monitor in children during surgery even immediately after intravascular volume expanders are administered. However, it is advisable to confirm the baseline hemoglobin level and to consider the influence of tHb level on the bias. In addition, one should be cautious with regard to using SpHb alone when making transfusion decisions.