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We performed a prospective, open-label, randomised controlled trial comparing the air-Q(®) against the LMA-ProSeal™ in adults undergoing general anaesthesia. One hundred subjects (American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1-3) presenting for elective, outpatient surgery were randomly assigned to 52 air-Q(®) and 48 ProSeal devices. The primary study endpoint was airway seal pressure. Oropharyngolaryngeal morbidity was assessed secondarily. Mean (SD) airway seal pressures for the air-Q(®) and ProSeal were 30 (7) cmH (2) O and 30 (6) cmH(2) O, respectively (p = 0.47). Postoperative sore throat was more common with the air-Q(®) (46% vs 38%, p = 0.03) as was pain on swallowing (30% vs 5%, p = 0.01). In conclusion, the air-Q(®) performs well as a primary airway during the maintenance of general anaesthesia with an airway seal pressure similar to that of the ProSeal, but with a higher incidence of postoperative oropharyngolaryngeal complaints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The second-generation air-Q intubating laryngeal airway is a newer commercially available supraglottic airway device. In this retrospective review, we describe our initial clinical experience of 70 insertions. The ease and number of insertion attempts, airway leak pressure, device positioning, duration of use, success of fibreoptic-aided intubation and oropharyngeal morbidity were recorded. The intubating laryngeal airway was successfully inserted in all 770 patients and functioned adequately as a primary airway in all 57 patients in which it was used. The median airway leak pressure was 25 and 30 cmH2O for the single-use and reusable devices (P = 0.001), respectively. Fibreoptic-aided intubation using the intubating laryngeal airway as a conduit was successful in 12/13 (92%) cases. One in four (26%) patients complained of mild sore throat postoperatively before discharge. In our series, the intubating laryngeal airway performed adequately as a primary airway during anaesthesia with respect to ease of insertion, adequacy of airway maintenance, and as a conduit for intubation in both anticipated and unanticipated difficult airways. Further investigation is warranted regarding the role of the intubating laryngeal airway as a conduit for both blind and fibreoptic-aided intubation. In addition, the incidence of postoperative throat complaints deserves further scrutiny. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The LMA-Supreme is a single-use disposable laryngeal mask that combines features of several laryngeal mask airways in one device. The primary aim of our study was to compare ease of use and operator preference for fibreoptic-aided intubation through the LMA-Supreme using an Aintree Intubating Catheter or Arndt Airway Exchange Catheter Set. Twenty participants experienced in fibreoptic-aided intubation performed a total of 40 intubations on an AirSim airway manikin through a #4 LMA-Supreme. Intubation using the Arndt Airway Exchange Catheter Set was easier than with the Aintree Intubating Catheter. Half of the participants preferred Aintree Intubating Catheter-assisted intubation, citing fewer steps and faster performance as the reasons. All 20 (100%) Arndt Airway Exchange Catheter Set-assisted intubations and 18/20 (90%) of Aintree Intubating Catheter-assisted intubations were successful. Aintree Intubating Catheter and Arndt Airway Exchange Catheter Set-assisted intubations can be performed quickly, successfully and with minimal difficulty through the LMA-Supreme by experienced operators. While the Arndt Airway Exchange Catheter may be easier the Aintree Intubating Catheter is faster. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]