Comparison of the effects of an endotracheal tube and a V‐gel airway device on intraocular pressure and haemodynamic responses in anaesthetised cats

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Abstract BackgroundThis study aimed to compare the effects of placing an endotracheal tube (ETT) versus a V‐gel airway device on intraocular pressure (IOP), heart rate (HR), mean arterial pressure (MAP) and peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2) in anaesthetised cats.MethodsTwenty animals were randomly assigned to one of two groups: the ETT group (n = 10) or the V‐gel group (n = 10). IOP, HR, MAP, and SpO2 were monitored at baseline (Tb), post‐sedation and induction (T0), immediately after intubation (Ti), at 2 (T2), 5 (T5), 10 (T10) and 15 (T15) minutes after‐intubation, and after extubation (Te).ResultsIOP increased in both groups after intubation, with significantly higher values in the V‐gel group at T2 and T5 (p = 0.005 and 0.014, respectively). IOP decreased below baseline by T10 and T15, with no significant differences between the two groups. HR was significantly higher in the V‐gel group at Ti, T2, T5 and T10 (p = 0.001, 0.001, 0.001 and 0.016, respectively). No significant differences were observed in SpO2 or MAP between the groups at any time point.LimitationThe anaesthetic protocol may have influenced the IOP and HR, potentially confounding comparisons between the ETT and V‐gel groups.ConclusionThe V‐gel airway device resulted in higher IOP and HR values following intubation than the ETT group. Therefore, the V‐gel may not be ideal for feline patients with ocular disease or cardiovascular compromise, where minimising IOP and cardiovascular stimulation is critical.