The EasyTube during general anesthesia for minor surgery: A randomized, controlled trial

Background: The EasyTube (EzT) is a supraglottic airway device that is used for emergency airway situations. Ventilation during general anesthesia should also be feasible, but literature on the EzT is scarce. We evaluated the EzT in comparison with the endotracheal tube (ETT) in its use during general anesthesia in a comparative study. Methods:A total of 400 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I to II scheduled for minor surgery in 4 centers were randomized for ventilation via the ETT or EzT. Results: In all patients, the EzT and the ETT could be inserted within 3 attempts. In all EzT patients, the inspiratory and expiratory minute volumes (6.64±0.71 and 6.34±0.69 L/min) were sufficient to reach target oxygenation values, similar to ETT patients (P=.59). Mean peak pressure, mean plateau pressure, and mean dynamic compliance did not differ between the groups. Sore throat and blood on the cuff after removal were the most frequent complications in both groups. Conclusion: Ventilation for up to 1 hour during general anesthesia in patients with ASA physical status I to II with the EzT is feasible and safe.