A comparison of the breathing apparatus deadspace associated with a supraglottic airway and endotracheal tube using volumetric capnography in young children.

Background: Supraglottic airway (SGA) devices including the air-Q® are being used with increasing frequency for anesthesia in infants and younger pediatric patients. To date, there is minimal research documenting the potentially significant airway deadspace these devices may contribute to the ventilation circuit when compared to an endotracheal tube (ETT). The aim of this study was to evaluate the airway apparatus deadspace associated with an air-Q® versus an ETT in young children.