To assess the efficacy of i-gel for ventilation, blind tracheal intubation and nasogastric tube insertion

Abstract

Background:The i-gel is a novel supraglottic airway device with a soft and non-inflatable cuff. In our study we attempted to evaluate the performance of i-gel as a ventilatory device, as a conduit to blind tracheal intubation using conventional polyvinyl chloride tracheal tube and gastric tube insertion through it.Materials and Methods:A total of 180 patients of American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) physical status I/II undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia were included in this study. After induction of anesthesia, i-gel was inserted and the following parameters were recorded: Time taken for successful i-gel insertion, airway leak pressures, ease of gastric tube insertion and laryngeal view using fiberscope. Following this blind tracheal intubation was attempted. First attempt and overall success rate in blind tracheal intubation and gastric tube insertion were evaluated and tracheal intubation time was measured. Also presence of any side effects or complication following removal was recorded.Results:We achieved a 100% success rate in insertion of i-gel and in 171 out of 180 patients; i-gel was inserted in the 1st attempt itself. We also were able to achieve an overall success rate for blind endotracheal intubation via i-gel in 78.33% cases, and successful gastric tube placement was possible in 92.22%. In our study we also achieved a leak pressure of 25.52 (±2.33) cm of H2O.Conclusion:I-gel may be effectively used for ventilation, nasogastric tube insertion and as a conduit to blind endotracheal intubation with minimal complication and acceptable airway sealing pressures.

Fiberoptic intubation of severely obese patients through supraglottic airway: A prospective, randomized trial of the Ambu® AuraGain™ laryngeal mask vs the i‐gel™ airway

“…The OLP of 32.1 cmH 2 O for the i‐gel and 32.8 cmH 2 O for the AuraGain, respectively, was higher than found in other studies with regular airway and lean patients. In those studies, an OLP of 25 cmH 2 O was reached . Similar OLP's as in our study were found by Keller in the ProSeal™ laryngeal mask in obese patients and for the AuraGain™ in a study by Lopez et al in patients undergoing gynecologic surgery, as in a study by Moser et al No data on obese patients exist for the AuraGain™.…”

I-Gel and ILMA for ease of insertion and as conduit for intubation- A comparative study

“…The overall success ratewas 58.3% with I-GEL group compared to 90% with ILMS group [15] . Study by Bhandari, et al, found 95% success rate in first attempt in I-GEL group [16] .…”

“…Study by Latha Naik et al, stated that the time required for insertion of I-GEL was comparable with ILMA (p=0.860) [15] . Study by Bhandari, et al, found mean insertion time was 20.91 seconds [16] . M. Kleine Bruggeney et al, demonstrated that successful i-gel insertion time was 23 (±15) seconds [17] .…”

Blind intubation through an i-gel® in the prone position: A prospective cohort study

“…Studies and case reports demonstrated that an i-gel may be considered as an intubation conduit in the supine position. 3,[8][9][10][11][12] Manikin studies investigating the success rate of using an i-gel as an intubation conduit found conflicting results. 13,14 Our study demonstrates that in the prone position one should not rely on an i-gel as an intubation conduit.…”