Blind Tracheal Intubation through the Air-Q Intubating Laryngeal Airway in Pediatric Patients: Reevaluation – A Randomized Controlled Trial

CONTEXT: Some pediatric supraglottic airway devices have not been evaluated in a large perspective for blind intubation although they are validated as a conduit for fiberoptic-guided intubation. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to compare the success rate of blind technique with correction maneuvers versus fiberoptic-guided intubation through the air-Q laryngeal airway in pediatric patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty-six pediatric patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia were randomized into two equal groups. The air-Q was placed in all patients as a conduit for tracheal intubation. Group B patients underwent blind intubation with correction maneuvers. Group F patients underwent fiberoptic-guided intubation. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the groups regarding the success rate of intubation or postextubation complications. Group F patients showed a significantly longer time to intubation and total time of the trial. Furthermore, Group F patients showed a significantly higher level of pre- and postintubation heart rate compared to Group B patients. CONCLUSION: Blind tracheal intubation in pediatric patients through the air-Q with correction maneuvers could be a good alternative for fiberoptic-guided intubation with stable hemodynamics and shorter time till intubation.