Initial experience of the i-gel supraglottic airway by the residents in pediatric patients

Abstract

Insertion of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) is occasionally difficult in children because of their anatomical features and variations. A new single-use supraglottic airway device, the i-gel airway, was recently introduced. The objective of this study was to show the initial experience of the i-gel airway device by the residents for pediatric patients. With approval from the local ethics committee and parental informed consent, 70 children undergoing minor surgery in the supine position, ASA score I-II, were investigated. Exclusion included patients having thoracic, neurosurgical, spine, and otolaryngological procedures. Patients were divided into three groups: group 1 was airway size 1.5 for patients weighing 5-12 kg, group 2 was size 2 for 10-25 kg, and group 3 was size 2.5 for those weighing 25-35 kg. The following seven characteristics were evaluated: (1) ease of the i-gel and gastric tube insertion; (2) leak pressure; (3) tidal volume/body weight at leak pressure point; (4) fiberscope score; (5) insertion time; (6) hypoxia rate (laryngospasm); and (7) coughing and trace of bleeding. The overall insertion success rate and the success rate at first attempt were 99% and 94%, respectively. Gastric tube insertions were easy in all patients. The overall leak pressure was 23 ± 5 cmH(2)O. The tidal volume per body weight was 24 ± 10 ml/kg. A good view of the fiberscope was achieved in 79%. In group 1 (size 1.5), one failed insertion, two dislocations, and one dysphonia were observed. Hypoxia rate was 1%. There was no case with coughing and trace of bleeding. These results show that the i-gel airway is a safe and effective device for use by residents who do not have experience with insertion of a pediatric LMA. However, using size 1.5, special caution should be taken to protect the infant airway, similar to what has been previously reported for other airway devices.