Self-pressurised Air-Q With Blocker Versus Baska Mask in Low Risk Female Patients Undergoing Ambulatory Surgery.

Supraglottic airway devices (SGAs) are very commonly used during anesthesia but structural vulnerability to airway morbidity and issues about cuff pressure still concern anesthesiologists. There have been controversial results regarding optimal intra-cuff pressure in various types of cuffed supraglottic airways. When the supraglottic cuff pressure is more than the mucosal perfusion pressure, it is likely to either cause postoperative pharyngo-laryngeal symptoms like sore throat (dysphagia, dysphonia) or cause local mucosal trauma and nerve injuries. Supraglottic airway devices with non-inflatable cuff have advantages in omitting the cuff pressure monitoring and reducing potential pharyngo-laryngeal complications.

Self-pressurizing Air Q blocker is the latest version. It has a drain tube through which a suction tube is passed. There is an inflatable cuff at the end of this tube. On inflation, the cuff seals the esophageal opening into the stomach, preventing any regurgitation of stomach contents. Instead of the pilot balloon and inflating cuff, the air-Q SP with blocker has a communication orifice at the junction of the peri-glotic cuff and the airway tube. This communication between two spaces enables the cuff to dynamically regulate intra-cuff pressure depending on airway pressure. This distinguishing feature of the air-Q SP may result in reduced risk for airway morbidities related to cuff hyperinflation.

The Baska mask is a novel supraglottic airway device with a non-inflatable cuff, an oesophageal drainage inlet and side channels to facilitate aspiration of gastric contents, and an integrated bite-block. It was revealed that the baska mask is relatively easy to insert, provided a high-quality seal with the glotic aperture and the incidence of throat discomfort appeared low.

To our knowledge, and after searching in previous literature, no previous studies have compared the Air-Q SP with blocker with Baska mask; another supraglottic airway devices with non-inflatable cuff.