Comparison of Three Extraglottic Airway Devices

Extraglottic airway devices (EGDs) are valuable tools for emergency medical services providers during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Researchers in South Africa compared the performance of three EGDs: the i-gel (a new noninflatable, laryngeal mask–style device), a standard inflatable laryngeal mask airway (LMA), and a laryngeal tube airway (LTA; a dual balloon device that occludes both the esophagus and the laryngeal inlet).

Thirty-six paramedic students with training in all three devices inserted the i-gel, the LMA, and the LTA once each into a standard airway trainer manikin in random order without simultaneous performance of chest compressions. All devices were successfully placed on the first attempt. Insertion was significantly fa…