ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: The i-gel(TM) (i-gel) is a new single-use supraglottic airway device with a non-inflatable cuff. This study investigated the safety and efficacy of the i-gel during general anesthesia in children. METHODS: Ninety-eight children at ASA physical status I-II who underwent general anesthesia were included in this prospective observatory study. The size of the i-gel was selected based on patient's body weight. We evaluated success rates, insertion time, airway leak pressure, fiberoptic examination, airway manipulation, airway quality, and postoperative complications. RESULTS: The first-attempt success rate was 96.9% with overall success rate of 98.0%. The insertion time was 15.6 +/- 4.7 seconds. The airway leak pressure was 28.2 +/- 5.9 cmH2O. The maximal peak inspiratory pressure was 15.4 +/- 3.0 cmH2O. On fiberoptic examination, vocal cords were visible in 86.5% of patients. During maintenance of anesthesia, manipulations of i-gel were required for 32 (33.3%) children to maintain airway. Controlled ventilation was possible in all cases, although excess leak transiently occurred in three children. Postoperative complications including blood-staining on device, cough, and sore throat were infrequent. CONCLUSIONS: The i-gel size at 1.5-2.5 provided a satisfactory airway and ventilation during anesthesia in children. However, i-gel required a number of manipulations to maintain patency of airway during general anesthesia.