A systematic review and meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of the Baska mask versus other laryngeal mask airways during general anaesthesia

Background: The Baska mask is a supraglottic airway device used during general anaesthesia that combines features from various other devices. This systematic review aims to compare its efficacy and safety with other laryngeal mask airways. Methods: Randomised controlled trials were identified by searching PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. RevMan software was used for meta-analysis, with mean difference and risk ratios calculated for continuous and dichotomous data, respectively, along with a 95% confidence interval. Results: The meta-analysis found that the Baska mask provides a better oropharyngeal seal pressure (mean difference = 7.03; 95% confidence interval = [6.00, 8.07], p < 0.00001) and a higher rate of maximal seal pressure (risk ratio = 18.38; 95% confidence interval = [2.53, 133.47], p = 0.004) compared to other laryngeal mask airways. However, the Baska mask had lower success rates in first-attempt insertion (risk ratio = 0.79; 95% confidence interval = [0.72, 0.86], p < 0.00001) and higher rates of insertion manipulation (risk ratio = 16.64; 95% confidence interval = [5.86, 47.24], p < 0.00001). Conclusion: The Baska mask offers better oropharyngeal seal pressure, but may be more difficult to insert than other laryngeal mask airways, without causing significant delays. The Baska mask appears as safe as other laryngeal mask airways, but larger trials are needed to support these findings.