The I-gel, a Single-use Supraglottic Airway Device with a Non-inflatable Cuff and an Esophageal Vent: an Observational Study in Children

Background: The I-gel is a new single-use supraglottic airway device with a non-inflatable cuff. It is composed of a thermoplastic elastomer and a soft gel-like cuff that adapts to the hypopharyngeal anatomy. Like the LMA-ProSeal, it has an airway tube and a gastric drain tube. Little is known about its efficiency in pediatric anesthesia.

Methods: Fifty children above 30 kg, ASA I-II, undergoing a short-duration surgery were included in this prospective, observational study. We evaluated ease in inserting the I-gel, seal pressure, gastric leak, complications during insertion and removal, ease in inserting the gastric tube and ventilatory parameters during positive pressure ventilation.

Results: All devices were inserted at the first attempt. The mean seal pressure was 25 cmH(2)O. There was no gastric inflation and gastric tube insertion was achieved in all cases. The results appear similar to those in a previous study concerning laryngeal mask airway in terms of leak pressure and complication rates.

Conclusion: Because the I-gel has a very good insertion success rate and very few complications, it seems to be an efficient and safe device for pediatric airway management.