Randomized crossover comparison between the i-gel and the LMA-Unique in anaesthetized, paralysed adults

Uppal, V., Gangaiah, S., Fletcher, G. and Kinsella, J. (2009) Randomized crossover comparison between the i-gel and the LMA-Unique in anaesthetized, paralysed adults. British Journal of Anaesthesia, 103(6), pp. 882-885.

Abstract

<b>Background</b>: The i-gel differs from other supraglottic airway devices, in that it has a softer, non-inflatable cuff. This study was designed to compare the performance of the i-gel and the LMA-Unique (LMA-U) when used during anaesthesia in paralysed patients. <b>Methods</b>: Both devices were studied in 39 anaesthetized, paralysed patients in a randomized crossover trial. The primary outcome was airway leak pressure. Secondary outcomes included time to insertion, the number of insertion and reposition attempts, leak volumes, and leak fractions. <b>Results</b>: There was no significant difference between the airway leak pressures of the two devices [median (IQR) leak pressures 25 (22–30) vs 22 (20–28) cm H2O for the i-gel and LMA-U, respectively; P=0.083, 95% CI of the mean difference –0.32 to 4.88 cm H2O]. The median (IQR) insertion time for the i-gel was significantly less than for the LMA-U [12.2 (9.7–14.3) vs 15.2 (13.2–17.3) s; P=0.007]. All the LMA-U devices and 38 of 39 i-gel airways were inserted at the first attempt. The number of manipulations required after insertion to achieve a clear airway was the same in both the groups (four in each). There were no statistically significant differences in leak volumes or leak fractions during controlled ventilation. <b>Conclusions</b>: We found no difference in leak pressures and success rate of first-time insertion between the i-gel and the LMA-U. Time to successful insertion was significantly shorter for the i-gel. We conclude that the i-gel provides a reasonable alternative to the LMA-U for controlled ventilation during anaesthesia.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Gangaiah, Dr Somashekar and Uppal, Dr Vishal and Kinsella, Professor John
• Authors: Uppal, V., Gangaiah, S., Fletcher, G., and Kinsella, J.
• Subjects: R Medicine > R Medicine (General); R Medicine > RD Surgery
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Medicine, Dentistry & Nursing > Clinical Specialities
• Journal Name: British Journal of Anaesthesia
• Journal Abbr.: BJA
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• ISSN: 0007-0912
• ISSN (Online): 1471-6771
• Published Online: 20 October 2009
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2009 Oxford University Press
• First Published: First published in British Journal of Anaesthesia 103(6):882-885
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher.