A study of BlockBuster laryngeal mask airway versus Fastrach/Intubating laryngeal mask airway as a conduit for blind oro-tracheal intubation: A prospective randomized controlled study

Abstract

A Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA) has two parts, a simple breathing tube and a mask. The mask at the laryngeal end of the tube aligns against the glottis and provides better channel of ventilation than the face mask. There have been modifications in the basic design of the LMA to incorporate gastric drainage channel and some devices are also equipped with a channel for intubation to secure airway by guiding endotracheal tube (ETT) through it. In this study we evaluated the performance of two LMA devices that can aid in rescue ventilation and are also equipped with a channel for intubation namely the BlockBuster LMA(2012) and the Fastrach/ Intubating LMA(1997) for blind oro-tracheal intubation in terms of First attempt success rate and Over-all success rate of intubation. A hundred consenting patients of age group 18-60 years and ASA status I or II, were randomly allocated into two groups Group BB (BlockBuster LMA) and Group FT (Fastrach LMA) with 50 patients each. Standard anesthesia technique was used for both groups. After insertion of airway device, cuff was inflated and ventilation was attempted (maximum 2 attempts). Once ventilation was achieved, ETT of appropriate size was inserted through LMA (maximum 2 attempts). The correct placement of ETT was confirmed by capnography. Data was collected for number of attempts of tracheal intubation, time taken for intubation and complications. First attempt success rate of intubation was more in Blockbuster LMA than Fastrach LMA. Over-all success rate of Intubation was 100% for both devices. Time taken for intubation and incidence of post-operative sore throat was less in BlockBuster LMA than Fastrach LMA(p-value<0.05). Blockbuster LMA is better conduit for oro-tracheal intubation than Fastrach LMA in terms of higher first attempt success rate, lesser time taken for intubation and lesser post-operative complications.