Manikin study of fibreoptic-guided intubation through the classic laryngeal mask airway with the Aintree intubating catheter vs the intubating laryngeal mask airway in the simulated difficult airway

Abstract

In this randomised crossover manikin study of simulated difficult intubation, 26 anaesthetists attempted to intubate the trachea using two fibreoptic-guided techniques: via a classic laryngeal mask airway using an Aintree intubating catheter and via an intubating laryngeal mask airway using its tracheal tube. Successful intubation was the primary endpoint, which was completed successfully in all 26 cases using the former technique, and in 5 of 26 cases using the latter (p < 0.0001). The former technique also proved quicker to reach the vocal cords with the fibrescope (median (IQR [range])) time 18 (14-20 [8-44]) s vs 110 (70-114 [30-118]) s, respectively; p = 0.008); and to first ventilation (93 (74-109 [52-135]) s vs 135 (79-158 [70-160]) s, respectively; p = 0.0038)]. We conclude that in simulated difficult intubation, fibreoptic intubation appears easier to achieve using a classic laryngeal mask airway and an Aintree intubating catheter than through an intubating laryngeal mask airway.