i-gel Has High Success for Elective Intubations

Researchers prospectively evaluated 2049 i-gel supraglottic airway device insertions in elective surgery patients at 5 Swiss hospitals over a 24-month period. After induction of anesthesia, operators recorded data on operator specialty and experience, patient characteristics, airway assessment, anesthesia management, and perioperative complications.

The first-attempt i-gel success rate was 93%, and the overall success rate was 96%. Risk factors for first-attempt i-gel failure were male sex, older age, poor dentition, and impaired mandibular subluxation. Mean airway leak pressure was 26 cm H₂O. Providers classified 92% of insertions as easy or very easy. Complications included mucosal injury (3%), sore throat (2%), laryngospasm or bronchospas…