Evaluation of Differences in Placement Success and Postoperative Complications Between Video Laryngeal Mask Airway and Fastrack Laryngeal Mask

The 2015 Difficult Airway Society guidelines specify that in cases where an unexpectedly difficult airway is encountered, and the initial intubation attempt is unsuccessful, the insertion of a supraglottic airway device (SAD) is recommended to maintain ventilation and oxygenation, followed by tracheal intubation through the SAD. SAD has been designated as a rescue airway device in difficult airway algorithms and resuscitation guidelines to "buy time." Additionally, SAD is used to maintain airway and anesthesia in surgeries that do not require intubation.

The Video Laryngeal Mask (VLM) is a newly developed type of SAD. With VLM, direct visualization of the glottis is achieved immediately after SAD placement. VLM has a channel that allows for endotracheal tube passage for intubation purposes and provides direct visualization. The Fastrack LMA, on the other hand, possesses all the ventilation features of classic SADs but is designed for blind or fiberoptic-guided tracheal intubations. These devices are used as rescue devices in cases of limited neck extension and difficult airway situations. Both devices are routinely used for ventilation and intubation purposes in patients. The use of these two devices is preferred in patients where neck extension is undesirable or neck movements are restricted for intubation purposes.

In our study, patients who are intubated using VLM and Fastrack LMA for intubation purposes will be included. The placement times, intubation times, and the number of failed attempts for both devices will be recorded. Additionally, postoperative complications (sore throat, hoarseness, nausea-vomiting, additional antiemetic medication requirements, etc.) will be monitored and recorded.