European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Introduction: I-gel is a novel supraglottic airway device with anatomically designed,
non-inflatable mask, which is soft gel like and transparent made of medical grade
thermoplastic elastomer called styrene ethylene butadiene styrene.The present study is
carried out to evaluate the efficacy of I-gel with regard to easiness of insertion of I-gel,
number of insertion attempts, time taken and maneuvers required; time taken to
establish effective ventilation and gastric insufflation.
Material and Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted on 40
patients scheduled for elective surgical procedures and requiring controlled ventilation.
Patients were induced with thiopentone 4-6 mg/kg. Size 3 I-gel was used in patients
weighing 30-60 kg and size 4 I-gel was used in patients weighing 60-90 kg. Correct I-gel
insertion was assessed clinically by subjective assessment of appropriate length of
airway tube outside the mouth, gastric insufflation and adequacy of manual ventilation
which was assessed by proper chest expansion and presence of CO2 waveform.
Results: The study included the patients with MMP classI/II and ASA grade I/II. The
mean time taken for insertion was 14.75±1.48 seconds and 95% patients required single
attempt for successful device insertion and 5% patients required second attempt for
successful device insertion. In two patients head tilt and chin lift maneuver was used for
the correct placement of the device.In 38(95%) patients the insertion of the I-gel was
scores very easy(grade1) and in 2(5%) patients it was scored easy(grade 2).
Conclusion: I-gel is an effective supraglottic airway device which can be rapidly
inserted. It provides a leak free glottis seal during positive pressure ventilation. The
nasogastric tube can be easily placed