The second-generation air-Q® intubating laryngeal mask for airway maintenance during anaesthesia in adults: A report of the first 70 uses

A. M. Joffe, E. C. Liew, R. E. Galgon, D. Viernes, M. M. Treggiari

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

29 Scopus citations

Abstract

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 70 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 cmH 2O 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.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)40-45
Number of pages6
JournalAnaesthesia and intensive care
Volume39
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 2011
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Intubating laryngeal mask airway

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine
  • Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine

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