# Clinical Performance of the BlockBuster Laryngeal Mask Airway for Blind Endotracheal Intubation in Adult Elective Surgeries: A Prospective Observational Study

## TL;DR

This study evaluates the performance of the BlockBuster Laryngeal Mask Airway for blind endotracheal intubation in adult patients undergoing elective surgeries.

## Contribution

The study provides novel clinical data on the BBLMA's performance in Indian patients for blind intubation.

## Key findings

- The BBLMA achieved a 96.7% success rate in blind endotracheal intubation.
- Most intubations were classified as easy, with a mean time of five minutes and 15 seconds.
- Hemodynamic parameters increased but remained within clinically acceptable limits.

## Abstract

Introduction: Effective airway management is central to safe anesthesia practice. While endotracheal intubation remains the gold standard, supraglottic airway devices (SGADs) provide less invasive alternatives. The BlockBuster® Laryngeal Mask Airway (BBLMA) has been designed to facilitate blind endotracheal intubation while maintaining a secure airway. However, data on its performance in Indian patients are limited.

Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 60 ASA I-II adult patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia at Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai (August 2024-August 2025). Following standard induction, the BBLMA was used as a conduit for blind intubation. The success rate, time required for intubation, ease of intubation, and hemodynamic parameters were recorded. Data were analyzed using R software. Repeated-measures ANOVA and appropriate univariate tests were applied, with a significance level of p< 0.05.

Results: Successful intubation through BBLMA was achieved in 58 of 60 patients (96.7%). Most intubations (76.7%) were graded as easy, with a mean intubation time of five minutes and 15 seconds. Hemodynamic parameters (systolic BP, diastolic BP, heart rate) showed statistically significant increases following insertion and intubation, although all remained within clinically acceptable limits.

Conclusion: The BBLMA demonstrated high success, ease of use, and hemodynamic stability during blind endotracheal intubation. These findings suggest that BBLMA can be safely considered as a first-line airway device for elective and potentially emergency anesthesia settings.