Safety and effi cacy of insertion of supraglottic device in anaesthetised patients by fi rst-time users

Abstract

Background: Over the years, several supraglottic devices have been developed, but the most recent one is the i-gel®. It is a new device with some distinctive features that set it apart from many of its competitors. This study was designed to determine the safety and efficacy of placing different airway devices by first-time users. Methods: Fifty volunteer doctors who are regularly involved in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency medicine were divided into two groups on the basis of their experience and were timed to insert the two supraglottic devices, i-gel® and laryngeal mask airway (LMA), in ASA grade I, II and III anaesthetised patients under expert guidance. The haemodynamic parameters were recorded and the volunteers were asked to complete a questionnaire.
Results: In both the groups, i-gel® was inserted in less time than LMA. The time taken for insertion of i-gel® by both the groups was not significant. The success rate of inserting i-gel® by both groups was not significant (p > 0.05). Ninety-six percent of participants in both the groups found that i-gel® was easier to insert and required minimal adjustment.

Conclusion: Our results suggest that i-gel® is rapidly inserted by novices, and produces haemodynamic changes compared to those resulting from insertion of classic LMA. We suggest that the device is safe and can be used by first-time users and experts in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and in emergencies.

Keywords: first-time users; laryngeal mask airway; i-gel