Abstract

Various supraglottic devices have been used as a conduit for tracheal intubation especially in difficult airway situations when an endotracheal tube is desired. Designed for the anticipated or unanticipated difficult airway situation and for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, LMA Fastrach™ facilitates continuous ventilation and intubation. The rigid handle of the device facilitates one-handed insertion, removal and adjustment to enhance oxygenation and alignment with the glottis. Air-Q™ ILMA is a newly developed supraglottic airway device, which in addition to its normal usage is also intended to be used as a reliable tool for intubation. Aim: To evaluate success rate of endotracheal intubation through Fastrach LMA and Air-Q LMA. Methods: The present observational study, “Evaluation of Fastrach Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) and Air-Q Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) as a conduit for Endotracheal Intubation,” was carried out on 121 ASA grade I/II patients (63 in Fastrach Group and 58 in Air-Q Group) aged 20-70 years of either sex, undergoing elective surgeries under general anesthesia at Government Medical College and Associated Hospitals Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. Success rate in terms of number of attempts, any maneuver used and time of insertion was recorded for both LMA insertion and ETT insertion through LMA. Hemodynamic parameters were monitored continuously and recorded at the following time points: before the induction of anaesthesia, after the induction of anaesthesia, before the insertion of the LMA, after the insertion of the LMA, after tracheal intubation, and 5 min and 10 min after intubation. The observations were compiled in a tabulated manner and statistical analysis was done. Continuous data was analyzed using two sample independent t-tests and categorical variables were compared using Chi-square test / Fisher’s exact test. P-value of less than 0.05 was considered to be statistically significant. Results: There was statistically no significant difference in the success rate of insertion of LMA, any maneuver used and time of insertion of LMA between the two groups. The success of ETT insertion was higher using Fastrach LMA as conduit than Air-Q LMA and was statistically significant. Also, time taken for ETT insertion was less in Group F than Group Q which was also statistically significant. There was a similar hemodynamic response in LMA insertion and ETT insertion through LMA in both groups, which was statistically insignificant. Post-op complication of sore throat was also comparable in both groups and statistically insignificant

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