Case series: Protection from aspiration and failure of protection from aspiration with the i-gel airway

Br J Anaesth. 2008 Mar;100(3):415-7. doi: 10.1093/bja/aem396. Epub 2008 Jan 29.

Abstract

We present three patients of regurgitation while using the i-gel supraglottic airway in 280 patients. In two patients, the i-gel completely protected the airway from aspiration. In one patient, it did not provide complete protection. The i-gel has features designed to separate the airway and gastro-intestinal tracts and as such should offer some protection against aspiration. However, the efficacy of these features has not been confirmed, and further study is required to determine the safety profile of the device.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Disposable Equipment
  • Elastomers
  • Equipment Design
  • Equipment Failure
  • Humans
  • Intubation, Intratracheal / adverse effects
  • Laryngeal Masks*
  • Male
  • Pneumonia, Aspiration / etiology
  • Pneumonia, Aspiration / prevention & control*

Substances

  • Elastomers