A cohort evaluation of the paediatric i-gel(™) airway during anaesthesia in 120 children

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology
• Pediatric Medicine
• Medical Devices

Background:

• The i-gel supraglottic airway device is a single-use, gel-cushioned airway designed for ease of insertion and effective ventilation.
• Its application in pediatric anesthesia requires thorough evaluation of efficacy, usability, and safety profiles in this specific patient population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the efficacy and usability of the i-gel supraglottic airway device in anesthetized children.
• To evaluate the success rate of insertion, airway sealing, and ventilation capabilities.
• To identify any complications or adverse events associated with i-gel use in pediatric patients.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study involving 120 anesthetized children (median age 3.7 years, median weight 19 kg).
• Data collected included insertion success rate, insertion time, need for airway manipulations, and fiberoptic view of the vocal cords.
• Ventilation efficacy was assessed by leak pressure and tidal volume, and complications were recorded.

Main Results:

• Successful i-gel insertion was achieved in 113 out of 120 children (94%), with 110 successful on the first attempt.
• Median insertion time was 14 seconds.
• Adequate airway seal (leak pressure ≥ 20 cmH2O) was achieved in most cases, and fiberoptic visualization of vocal cords was clear in 87% of inspected airways.
• One case of regurgitation without aspiration occurred; other complications were infrequent.

Conclusions:

• The i-gel supraglottic airway device is an effective and usable option for airway management in pediatric anesthesia.
• It facilitates successful insertion and provides adequate ventilation with a low incidence of complications in children.
• Further studies may explore its use in specific pediatric subgroups and compare it with other airway devices.