A randomised comparison of free-handed vs air-Q™ assisted fibreoptic-guided tracheal intubation in children < 2 years of age

We prospectively compared free-handed and air-Q™ assisted fibreoptic-guided tracheal intubation in children < 2 years of age. Eighty healthy children were enrolled and randomly assigned to a technique (free-handed or air-Q assisted) and operator (trainee or attending). Time, number of attempts and manoeuvres required were assessed. There was no difference in median (IQR [range]) time to successful tracheal intubation between the free-handed (52.2 (34.8-67.7 [19.7-108.0]) s), and the air-Q assisted (60.3 (45.5-75.1 [28.1-129.0]) s; p = 0.13) groups, or the number of attempts needed. The air-Q assisted group required fewer manoeuvres to optimise the laryngeal view (median (IQR [range]) 0 (0-1 [0-2])) than the free-handed group (1 (1-1 [0-3]); p < 0.001). In conclusion, fibreoptic-guided tracheal intubation times were similar with and without the use of the air-Q, but supraglottic airway devices may be a consideration for their other practical advantages.