Comparison of Success Rate of Blockbuster versus Fastrach Laryngeal Mask Airway as a Conduit for Blind Endotracheal Intubation

Background: Managing difficult airways remains a critical challenge in anesthesia, necessitating devices that effectively facilitate tracheal intubation. The BlockBuster® and Fastrach® laryngeal mask airways (LMAs) are specifically designed to assist in securing the airway in patients with difficult intubation. However, the comparative efficacy of these devices regarding intubation success rates, insertion time, and associated complications has not been fully established. This study evaluates the performance and safety of the BlockBuster® versus the Fastrach® LMA in patients requiring tracheal intubation. Methodology: In this prospective randomized controlled trial, patients undergoing elective surgeries that required general anesthesia with tracheal intubation were randomly assigned to either the BlockBuster® or the Fastrach® group. The primary outcomes measured included the success rate of tracheal intubation on the first attempt, total time taken for successful intubation, and overall success rate. The secondary outcomes included complications such as airway trauma, hemodynamic changes, and postoperative sore throat. Data were analyzed using intention-to-treat principles. Results: A total of 90 patients were enrolled, with 45 patients allocated to each group. The mean time for successful intubation was shorter for the BlockBuster® group (23.31 ± 10.58 s) compared to the Fastrach® group (42.84 ± 11.45 s) ( P < 0.001). Postoperative sore throat was reported in 17% of patients in the Fastrach group and 7% in the BlockBuster® group. Conclusion: The BlockBuster® LMA demonstrated superior performance over the Fastrach® LMA in terms of a higher first-attempt success rate and shorter intubation time in patients requiring tracheal intubation under general anesthesia. While both devices are effective, the BlockBuster® may offer advantages in managing difficult airways with a lower incidence of complications. Further studies are warranted to confirm these findings in a larger sample size.