Comparison of learning performance of 2 intubating laryngeal mask airways in novice

Abstract

Background: Intubating laryngeal mask airways (LMAs) such as i-gel and Aura-i could serve as rescue devices in resuscitation and further ensure the airway by facilitating trachea intubation without ventilation interruption. But data regarding intubating LMAs in novice are limited and skill degeneration without regular training has not been evaluated. So we designed this prospective randomized crossover manikin study to compare the learning performance of 2 intubating LMAs (i-gel and Aura-i). Methods: In total, 46 novice doctors participated in this study. After standardized training and finishing 3 consecutive successful intubations with both LMAs on manikin, each participant applied intubation with both LMAs in random order for initial evaluation. To evaluate skill retention, participants were reassessed 90 days later on the same manikin without retraining between times. Primary outcome was time to successful ventilation (TTV). Results: The TTV for i-gel was significantly shorter than Aura-i (initial evaluation 11.8±2.9seconds vs 22.4±5.2seconds, 90-days reevaluation 14.9±3.6seconds vs 28.9±10.0seconds, initial evaluation, P=.001; second evaluation, P