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The i-gel is a novel extraglottic airway device that has a noninflatable cuff made from a gel-like thermoplastic elastomer. Any extraglottic device must form a seal to isolate the laryngeal inlet, and similar devices, such as the laryngeal mask airway, rely on an inflatable cuff that requires a syringe for inflation of air and operator judgment about the degree of inflation. Obviating the need for cuff inflation might make the i-gel easy to use even by novices. In a study involving manikins and human patients, researchers evaluated placement of the i-gel (supplied by the manufacturer) by novices.
Novices with various training backgrounds but no anesthesia experience received a brief introduction to the i-gel and practiced placement once on a…