Evaluation of Ambu-Aura-i laryngeal mask as a conduit for endotracheal intubation. A comparison with Air-Q intubating laryngeal airway in adult surgical patients

Background
Supraglottic airway devices (SGA) are used as primary devices or conduits for endotracheal intubation with normal or difficult airway. The purpose of this study was to assess how the Ambu-Aura-i laryngeal mask would act as a conduit for endotracheal intubation compared to the Air-Q Intubating Laryngeal airway in adult patients in operating room.
Methods
Fifty-four adult patients scheduled for elective procedures under general anaesthesia were divided into air-Q and Aura-i groups. The ease and time of insertion, the number of insertion attempts, the airway leak pressure, the duration of fiberoptic endotracheal intubation, the grade of the fibre-optic laryngoscopic view, and the time to remove the device were noted.
Results
Comparing the Aura-i group to the Air-Q group, the Aura-i group had a considerably shorter insertion time and a longer time to remove the device (28.1 ± 3.5 vs 32.7 ± 6.9 sec P-value = 00.4 and 40.7 ± 5.1 vs 32.0 ± 5.4 sec, P-value = 0.001; respectively). Both devices were comparable regarding the number of insertion attempts and the time to insert an endotracheal tube. Compared to the Air-Q group, the Aura-i group’s airway leak pressure was considerably greater (25.9 ± 3.9 vs 23.4 ± 4 CmH2O, respectively, P-value = 0.03). Both groups had comparable fibre-optic laryngoscopic view grades.
Conclusion
The Ambu-Aura-i laryngeal mask and the Air-Q intubating laryngeal airway are efficient conduits for fibre-optic endotracheal intubation in adults with Ambu-Aura-i Laryngeal mask exhibiting advantages in terms of device insertion time and use during mechanical ventilation.