Comparison of the Effectiveness of Self-Pressurizing Air-Q Intubating Laryngeal Airways Among Different Age Groups

"Supraglottic airway devices (SGA) used perioperatively are known to require lower anesthetic depth and result in fewer airway complications such as coughing and sore throat after awakening from anesthesia compared to endotracheal intubation. Due to these advantages, SGAs are particularly beneficial in elderly patients, as they experience a reduction in functional reserves, are more affected by cardiopulmonary diseases, and are more sensitive to anesthetic drugs

SGAs are inserted through the oral route, and the SGA cuff is placed between the base of the tongue, hypopharynx, and upper esophageal sphincter (UES) to provide proper ventilation. Some previous studies have reported structural and physiological changes in the pharyngeal airway and UES with aging . It has been found that the shape and size of the pharyngeal airway in elderly individuals differ from those of young adults. Additionally, there are changes in the function and structure of the UES with age. These age-related changes may affect the performance of SGAs in the elderly population.

Recently, SGAs that do not require manual cuff inflation have been used more frequently in various clinical settings due to the advantages of eliminating the need for manual cuff inflation and cuff pressure monitoring. The Air-Q is connected to an airway tube through a communication port that allows for self-regulation of cuff pressure in response to airway pressure."