[Blind tracheal intubation through 2 supraglottic devices: the Ambu AuraGain vs the LMA Fastrach]

Supraglottic devices are now considered first-line tools for managing the difficult airway. Our main aim was to compare the percentage of successful blind intubations achieved with the Ambu AuraGain and LMA Fastrach devices.

Randomized, single-blind, parallel group trial. The following variables were analyzed: adequate ventilation, visualization of the glottis on the Brimacombe scale, success of blind intubation, and adverse events.

The devices were inserted in 80 patients (40 per group). Adequate ventilation was achieved with both devices, in 92.5% in the AuraGain group and in 95% in the LMA group. The AuraGain provided a better view of the glottis on 2 attempts (P<.001). The rate of intubation success was higher with the LMA (70%) than with the AuraGain (17.5%) (P<.001). Hoarseness and signs of bleeding were observed more often with the AuraGain device than with the LMA: hoarseness, 12.5% vs 0%, respectively, P.027; blood, 17.5% vs 0%, P=.006

Even though the 2 devices are similarly effective, blind intubation was superior with the LMA Fastrach mask