Pilot study of the air-Q Intubating Laryngeal Airway in clinical use

• Published in: Anaesthesia and intensive care Vol. 38; no. 2; pp. 346 - 348
• Main Authors: BAKKER, E. J, VALKENBURG, M, GALVIN, E. M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Edgecliff Anaesthesia Society of Anaesthetists 01-03-2010; Sage Publications Ltd. (UK); Sage Publications Ltd
• Subjects: Adult; Anesthesia; Anesthesia. Intensive care medicine. Transfusions. Cell therapy and gene therapy; Biological and medical sciences; Equipment and supplies; Humans; Intubation; Intubation, Intratracheal - instrumentation; Laryngeal Masks; Lingual Nerve Injuries; Medical sciences; Middle Aged; Pilot Projects; Positive pressure respiration; Respiratory therapy; Trachea; United States; Anesthesia; air-Q; extraglottic airway devices
• ISSN: 0310-057X; 1448-0271
• DOI: 10.1177/0310057x1003800217

The air-Q Intubating Laryngeal Airway (ILA) is a newly introduced extraglottic airway device. In this pilot study, we evaluated its use as a routine airway device during positive pressure ventilation. Ease of endotracheal intubation through the device was also assessed. Fifty-nine ASA I and II patients undergoing elective surgery received an air-Q ILA and an endotracheal tube where indicated. Insertion, ventilation and intubation characteristics were noted, as well as throat morbidity and occurrence of adverse events. An air-Q ILA was successfully inserted in 100% of patients. Mean leak pressure was 19 +/- 5 cmH2O. Endotracheal intubation was indicated in 19 patients and successful in 58% on the first attempt and 74% in total. Ten percent of the study patients were noted to have dysphagia. One patient was diagnosed with bilateral lingual nerve injury but made a complete recovery in four weeks. The air-Q ILA is an adequate extraglottic airway device in terms of insertion and ventilation. However the proposed advantage of ease of endotracheal intubation requires further investigation.