Comparison of Fiberoptic Intubation With Fiberoptic Intubation Through an Air-Q Intubating Laryngeal Airway in Infants and Small Children

A Randomized Comparison of Free-handed Fiberoptic Intubation Compared With Fiberoptic Intubation Through an Air-QTM Intubating Laryngeal Airway in Children Less Than Two Years of Age: Does Operator Experience Affect Time to Successful Tracheal Intubation?

The goal of this prospective randomized study is to compare the effect of operator experience on the ability to use fiberoptic-guided intubation in children less than two years old, with and without the use of an air-Q as a conduit. The question the investigators are trying to answer is: Does the operator experience make a significant difference in the time for successful fiberoptic guided tracheal intubation with and without the use of an air-Q intubating laryngeal airway?

The aim of this study is to compare the effect of operator experience on the ability to use fiberoptic-guided intubation in children less than two years old, with and without the use of an air-Q as a conduit. The ease and time for placement of the air-Q, fiberoptic grade of laryngeal view, time for fiberoptic tracheal intubation, and peri-operative complications will also be assessed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Healthy (ASA I to III) children who will be intubated as part of their general anesthesia plan for their scheduled surgeries
• Age 1 month - 2 years
• Weight 1-20 Kg

Exclusion Criteria:

• Children with active respiratory infection
• Known history of difficult mask ventilation
• Diagnosis of a congenital syndrome associated with difficult airway management
• Airway abnormalities (e.g., laryngomalacia, subglottic stenosis).