A clinical evaluation of the I gel and Air Q as conduits for blind tracheal intubation in adult patients

Introduction: Supraglottic airway devices have been recommended to be used as a conduit for tracheal intubation when required. We hypothesized that both I gel and Air Q would favor blind tracheal intubation with equal success rate when performed by senior anesthesia residents. Materials and Method: After approval by Ethical Issues Committee, seventy-six adult patients were randomised to be intubated either through I gel or Air Q supraglottic airway device. Success rate and time to intubate via either device were assessed and analyzed. Also assessed was the success at placing either supraglottic device and if anterior thyroid pressure was required to achieve tracheal intubation via them. Results: There were two device placement failures in Air Q groups versus none in I gel group. Mean time to intubate via Air Q and I gel were 16.5 and 23.4 s respectively that showed neither statistical (p= 0.17) nor clinically significant difference. There were no differences between the device with respect to intubation success rate and the need to apply anterior thyroid pressure for aiding tracheal intubation. Conclusion: Both the supraglottic devices were equally effective in aiding blind tracheal intubation when performed by anesthesia residents.