Comparison of endotracheal intubation through BlockBuster® versus Fastrach® LMA (Laryngeal Mask Airway) with fiberoptic guidance

A prospective, randomized, comparative study to compare the ease of intubation through Blockbuster LMA versus Fastrach LMA with fiberoptic guidance in patients undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia.

The ease of intubation will be measured based on time taken to intubate and the number of attempts taken to intubate.

The grade of fiberoptic view of the glottis, presence of blood on the LMA and sore throat before discharge from recovery room will also be noted.

The time for insertion will be noted from picking of LMA till adequate ventilation is established with square wave capnogram.

Ease of insertion of the LMA will be graded as easy, difficult or failure. An easy insertion is defined as placement without resistance following a single attempt. More than one attempt will be considered a difficult insertion. A failed insertion will be defined as failure to insert the device after three attempts.

The score of the bronchoscopic view of the glottis will be noted

Brimacombe score:

1. vocal cords not seen

2. cords with anterior epiglottis seen

3. cords plus posterior epiglottis seen

4. only cords visible

The ease of ETT placement will be noted.

Time required for the ETT placement will be noted (the time interval between picking up the fiberscope loaded with ETT till square wave capnogram is seen).

Time required to remove LMA will be noted. After LMA removal, the tube cuff will be reinflated and connected to the ventilator circuit and anaesthesia will be continued by balanced general anaesthesia.

Damage or blood on cuff of LMA will be noted.

After the surgery is completed, presence of sore throat will be recorded.