Fibre-optic guided tracheal intubation through SADs

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Fibre-optic guided tracheal intubation through supraglottic airway devices – a randomised comparison between the I-gel and the LMA protector

  • IRAS ID

    210065

  • Contact name

    CYPRIAN MENDONCA

  • Contact email

    cyprianmendonca@hotmail.com

  • Sponsor organisation

    University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 1 months, 1 days

  • Research summary

    Intubation (the procedure of passing a breathing tube into the trachea-considered as a definitive airway) through supraglottic airway devices (airway tube placed in the oropharynx) is a well-established technique in the management of patients with difficult intubation.

    The recently-published “Difficult Airway Society guidelines for management of unanticipated difficult intubation in adults” emphasises the importance of recognising failed intubation (Plan A) and moving to an alternate technique of providing oxygen to the patient (Plan B). Plan B of the guidelines includes placing a supraglottic airway device. Once adequate oxygenation is achieved, fibreoptic guided intubation through the supraglottic airway is recommended.

    The I-gel is a second generation supraglottic airway device widely used in anaesthesia and resuscitation. Fibreoptic intubation through the I-gel has been evaluated in recent two studies with a success rate of 91.4% and 96% (Taxak and Kleine-Bruggeney).
    LMA protector is another second generation supraglottic device, is improved version of LMA supreme ( which has been used for many years in clinical practice). It is designed to facilitate tracheal intubation. Another feature of second generation supragalottic airway device is protection against aspiration. The design feature suggests that LMA protector is superior to I-gel in minimising he risk of aspiration.

    The aim of the study is to establish which SAD is more efficient as a guide to fibreoptic intubation. The primary outcome of this study is intubation time. Secondary outcomes are success rate and laryngeal view through fiberoptic scope.

  • REC name

    London - Hampstead Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    17/LO/0570

  • Date of REC Opinion

    3 Apr 2017

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion