Repeat autoclaving does not remove protein deposits from the classic laryngeal mask airway

Abstract

Introduction: We tested the hypothesis that repeated autoclaving removes protein deposits from the classic laryngeal mask airway (LMA).

Methods: Twenty previously used LMAs were hand washed, machine washed, dried, autoclaved and randomly allocated into four equal-sized groups for repeat autoclaving on 0 (control), 1, 2 and 3 occasions. After the final autoclave cycle, the LMAs were immersed in a protein-staining solution, rinsed, dried and a high-resolution digital image taken of the dorsal and ventral surfaces. The severity of staining was scored by two blinded observers.

Results: All LMAs were stained. There was no reduction in staining with repeat autoclaving.

Conclusions: Repeat autoclaving does not remove protein deposits from the LMA.