Comparative study of two supraglottic airway devices- LMA Supreme and I-Gel in adult patients undergoing general anaesthesia at a tertiary hospital

Abstract

Background: The LMA Supreme is a supraglottic airway device made of medical grade PVC and is latex-free. The I-Gel is a new supraglottic airway device with a non-inflatable cuff, composed of soft gel like, transparent thermoplastic elastomer. The main aim of present study was to compare the LMA Supreme with the I-Gel LMA in terms of the success of insertion of the device, hemodynamic changes and postoperative device related complications. Material and Methods: Present study was a prospective, randomized, comparative, observational study conducted in patients admitted for various elective surgeries, were randomly divided (by envelope selection) as I-Gel LMA and Supreme LMA insertion for general anaesthesia. Results: The mean age in group I and S were 41.26 ± 10.22 and 44.86 ± 10.1 years respectively. The mean body weight in Group I was 55.51 ± 9.61 kgs and in Group S it was 53.12 ± 9.65 kgs. There was no significant difference in the age, gender, body weight, ASA Grades of the patients between Group 1 and Group 2 .Statistically there was no significant difference in the SAD Sizes, Surgical Procedures, ease of insertion in both the groups. The basal heart rate was, mean SBP, mean basal DBP, mean basal MAP and mean SpO2 were comparable in both groups. Blood Tinged SAD was noted in 6 patients in both group I (I-Gel) and group S (SLMA). None of the patients in group I (I-Gel) out of 43 patients had Lip or Dental Injury, whereas 2 patients in group S (SLMA) out of 43 patients had Lip or Dental Injury. Only 4 of the patients in group I (I-Gel) out of 43 patients had Sore Throat within 24 hours post removal of SAD, whereas 6 patients in group S (SLMA) out of 43 patients had Sore Throat within 24 hours post removal of SAD. Conclusion: Both LMA Supreme and I-Gel can be used effectively and comfortably in selected adult patients during general anaesthesia. Both LMA Supreme and I-Gel are easy to insert, both are almost inserted in first attempt, no significant difference in hemodynamic changes during usage is noted.