A comparison of the i‐gel™ with the LMA‐Unique™ in non‐paralysed anaesthetised adult patients

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Abstract
Summary: This study assessed two disposable devices; the newly developed supraglottic airway device i‐gel™ and the LMA‐Unique™ in routine clinical practice. Eighty patients (ASA 1–3) undergoing minor routine gynaecologic surgery were randomly allocated to have an i‐gel ( n = 40) or LMA‐Unique ( n = 40) inserted. Oxygen saturation, end‐tidal carbon dioxide, tidal volume and peak airway pressure were recorded, as well as time of insertion, airway leak pressure, postoperative sore‐throat, dysphonia and dysphagia for each device. Time of insertion was comparable with the i‐gel and LMA‐Unique. There was no failure in the i‐gel group and one failure in the LMA‐Unique group. Ventilation and oxygenation were similar between devices. Mean airway pressure was comparable with both devices, whereas airway leak pressure was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) in the i‐gel group (mean 29 cmH 2 O, range 24–40) compared with the LMA‐Unique group (mean 18 cmH 2 O, range 6–30). Fibreoptic score of the position of the devices was significantly better in the i‐gel group. Post‐operative sore‐throat and dysphagia were comparable with both devices. Both devices appeared to be simple alternatives to secure the airway. Significantly higher airway leak pressure suggests that the i‐gel may be advantageous in this respect.

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