The i-gel Supraglottic Airway Device Seals Better Than the LMA-Unique in Obese Patients

Studies of lean patients show that the i-gel supraglottic airway device permits use of higher ventilation pressures than inflatable-cuff laryngeal mask airways (LMAs). To determine whether this benefit also applies to obese patients, researchers performed a randomized crossover study comparing the i-gel and the single-use LMA-Unique in 50 elective surgery patients who were mild to moderately obese (body-mass index, 25–35 kg/m²). For each patient, one of two experienced operators (>100 LMA insertions and >50 i-gel insertions) inserted the two devices in random order and measured leakage pressures using an audible noise detection test and pressure-controlled ventilation test (measures tidal volume at which leak occurs).

In audible noise detect…