i-gel™ supraglottic airway in clinical practice: a prospective observational multicentre study

Clinical Comparison of I-Gel Supraglottic Airway Device and Cuffed Endotracheal Tube for Pressure-Controlled Ventilation During Routine Surgical Procedures

Objective

Recently, there has been a trend favouring the use of supraglottic airway devices over endotracheal tubes (ETT) during short surgical procedures. In this study, we are going to assess the suitability of one such supraglottic airway device, i-gel, for pressure-controlled ventilation (PCV) during routine surgical procedures.

Methods

The airway management for 60 patients was done with either i-gel (Group I) or cuffed tracheal tube (Group E) for this prospective, randomised, double-blinded study. Insertion time, number of attempts, ease of insertion and haemodynamic monitoring were recorded before, during and after insertion of these devices. Airway leak tests, leak volume and leak fraction were measured at 15, 20 and 25 cm H₂O PCV, and pharyngolaryngeal morbidity was evaluated postoperatively.

Results

I-gel is easier to insert than a tracheal tube (p=0.0056). The increase in heart rate and MAP was higher following insertion of tracheal tube in the first few minutes (p<0.001) and subsequently became comparable between the two groups. The leak volume and leak fraction between the two groups were comparable at 15 cm H₂O PCV, but significant difference was seen at 20 and 25 H₂O PCV between the two groups (p=0.232, p<0.001, p<0.001). Thirty minutes later, the leak volume and leak fraction between groups were comparable at 15 cm H₂O PCV (p=0.495, p=0.104) but not at 20 and 25 H₂O PCV (p<0.001, p<0.001). Pharyngolaryngeal morbidity was significantly lesser in the i-gel group.

Conclusion

I-gel provides a reasonable alternative to cuffed ETT for pressure-controlled ventilation provided the pressures can be limited to 15 to 20 cm H₂O.

Pediatric supraglottic airway devices in clinical practice: A prospective observational study

BACKGROUND

Supraglottic airway devices (SGA) are commonly used in pediatric anesthesia and serve as primary or back-up devices for difficult airway management. Most SGA are marketed without proper clinical evaluation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the performance of the pediatric LMA Supreme™, Air-Q® and Ambu® Aura-i™.

METHODS

This prospective observational study was performed at Bern University Hospital, Switzerland. With ethics committee approval and a waiver for written informed consent 240 children undergoing elective surgery with an ASA class I-III and a weight of 5-30 kg were included. Three different pediatric supraglottic airway devices were assessed: The LMA Supreme™, Air-Q® and Ambu® Aura-i™. Primary outcome parameter was airway leak pressure. Secondary outcome parameters included first attempt and overall success rate, insertion time, fiberoptic view through the SGA, and adverse events. The primary hypothesis was that the mean airway leak pressure of each tested SGA was 20 cmH₂O ± 10%.

RESULTS

None of the SGA showed a mean airway leak pressure of 20 cmH₂O ± 10%, but mean airway leak pressures differed significantly between devices [LMA Supreme™ 18.0 (3.4) cmH₂O, Air-Q® 15.9 (3.2) cmH₂O, Ambu® Aura-i™ 17.3 (3.7) cmH₂O, p < 0.001]. First attempt success rates (LMA Supreme™ 100%, Air-Q® 90%, Ambu® Aura-i™ 91%, p = 0.02) and overall success rates (LMA Supreme™ 100%, Air-Q® 91%, Ambu® Aura-i™ 95%, p = 0.02) also differed significantly. Insertion times ranged from 20 (7) seconds (Air-Q®) to 24 (6) seconds (LMA Supreme™, <p = 0.005). Insertion was rated easiest with the LMA Supreme™ (very easy in 97% vs. Air-Q® 70%, Ambu® Aura-i™ 72%, p < 0.001). Fiberoptic view was similar between the SGA. Adverse events were rare.

CONCLUSIONS

Airway leak pressures ranged from 16 to 18 cmH₂O, enabling positive pressure ventilation with all successful SGA. The highest success rates were achieved by the LMA Supreme™, which was also rated easiest to insert.

TRIALS REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov , identifier NCT01625858 . Registered 31 May 2012.

Clinical benefits of deep sedation with a supraglottic airway while monitoring the bispectral index during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary vein antrum isolation (PVAI) under sedation has proven to be a useful strategy for catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF).

METHODS

To evaluate the clinical benefits of respiratory management using supraglottic airways (SGAs) under deep sedation while monitoring the bispectral (BIS) index during the PVAI and the durations from admission to the catheterization room to starting the radiofrequency energy delivery (Time α), and from starting the radiofrequency energy delivery to completion of the PVAI (Time β), X-ray time, frequency of dislocations of the three-dimensional maps (D3DM), procedure-related complications, and proportion of an AF-free rate 15 months after the PVAI (PAFFR) in patients who received deep sedation without SGAs (Group A: n=48) and those with SGAs (Group B: n=51) were evaluated.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in patient characteristics, Time α (77±3 versus 78±2 min; p=0.816), complications of cardiac tamponade (2% versus 2%; p=0.966), or PAFFR (81% versus 88%; p=0.313) between the two groups. However, the Time β (84±4 versus 67±3; p=0.001), X-ray time (53±2 versus 34±2; p<0.001), and minor complications of nasal bleeding (25% versus 0%; p=0.001) were significantly shorter and lower in Group B than in Group A, in accordance with a reduction in the hypoxia (15% versus 0%; p=0.007) and D3DM (31% versus 8%; p=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

These results may demonstrate the clinical benefits of deep sedation with SGAs while monitoring the BIS index without any hypoxia during PVAI in patients with AF.

All India Difficult Airway Association 2016 guidelines for the management of unanticipated difficult tracheal intubation in adults

The All India Difficult Airway Association (AIDAA) guidelines for management of the unanticipated difficult airway in adults provide a structured, stepwise approach to manage unanticipated difficulty during tracheal intubation in adults. They have been developed based on the available evidence; wherever robust evidence was lacking, or to suit the needs and situation in India, recommendations were arrived at by consensus opinion of airway experts, incorporating the responses to a questionnaire sent to members of the AIDAA and the Indian Society of Anaesthesiologists. We recommend optimum pre-oxygenation and nasal insufflation of 15 L/min oxygen during apnoea in all patients, and calling for help if the initial attempt at intubation is unsuccessful. Transnasal humidified rapid insufflations of oxygen at 70 L/min (transnasal humidified rapid insufflation ventilatory exchange) should be used when available. We recommend no more than three attempts at tracheal intubation and two attempts at supraglottic airway device (SAD) insertion if intubation fails, provided oxygen saturation remains ≥ 95%. Intubation should be confirmed by capnography. Blind tracheal intubation through the SAD is not recommended. If SAD insertion fails, one final attempt at mask ventilation should be tried after ensuring neuromuscular blockade using the optimal technique for mask ventilation. Failure to intubate the trachea as well as an inability to ventilate the lungs by face mask and SAD constitutes 'complete ventilation failure', and emergency cricothyroidotomy should be performed. Patient counselling, documentation and standard reporting of the airway difficulty using a 'difficult airway alert form' must be done. In addition, the AIDAA provides suggestions for the contents of a difficult airway cart.

Fiberoptic-guided intubation after insertion of the i-gel airway device in spontaneously breathing patients with difficult airway predicted: a prospective observational study

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To assess the viability of performing fiberoptic-guided orotracheal intubation through the i-gel airway device previously inserted in spontaneously breathing patients with predicted difficult airway to achieve a patent airway.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Operating room in a tertiary care hospital.

PATIENTS

Eighty-five adult patients with at least 3 difficult airway predictors or difficult airway management history were included.

INTERVENTIONS

The i-gel device was inserted in spontaneous ventilation under oropharyngeal local anesthesia and sedation. After checking the adequate ventilation through the i-gel with capnography curve, general anesthesia was induced to introduce the endotracheal tube guided by fiberoptic bronchoscope.

MEASUREMENTS

We recorded the i-gel insertion time (tgel), intubation time (tint), and O₂ saturation in pulse oximetry in different moments: basal (t0), after 3 minutes of preoxygenation with a face mask at 100% fraction of inspired O₂ (t1), after i-gel mask insertion (t2), and after intubation (t3). Adverse events during the procedure were also recorded, and patient discomfort was questioned.

MAIN RESULTS

All patients were successfully intubated. O₂ saturation in pulse oximetry values were (mean±SD): 96.9±1.22 (t0), 99.0±0.85 (t1), 96.2±2.37 (t2), and 96.0±2.54 (t3). tgel and tint were 38.0±7.76 seconds and 36.5±5.55 seconds (mean±SD), respectively. No serious adverse events were recorded, and no patient suffered airway damage. Visual analogue scale for patient discomfort was 2 (interquartile range, 1-3).

CONCLUSIONS

i-gel insertion in spontaneously breathing patients avoids the "cannot ventilate" scenario. The subsequent fiberoptic-guided intubation through the i-gel is a safe and effective technique. More studies might be necessary to confirm the results presented, but we consider that the technique described is an adequate alternative to classic orotracheal intubation with fiberoptic bronchoscope in spontaneous ventilation for certain patients with predicted difficult airway.

RETRACTED: Use of the new supraglottic device "Ambu AuraGain" in clinical settings

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief as it contains fabricated/falsified data. The Editor-in-Chief decision was based on the investigation by the Japanese Society of Anesthesiologists which concluded that no research was conducted and all the data including patient backgrounds were fabricated. The society also concluded that the corresponding author, Dr. Ueshima presented the names of the individuals not involved or only partially involved in research as lead authors, presented the names of the individuals not involved in research as co-authors and submitted papers without the agreement of the co-authors. The investigation report can be found here.

Muscle relaxant facilitates i-gel insertion by novice doctors: A prospective randomized controlled trial

STUDY OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to determine whether muscle relaxants facilitates insertion efficacy of the i-gel supraglottic device (i-gel) by novice doctors in anesthetized patients.

DESIGN

Randomized clinical trial.

SETTING

Operating room.

PATIENTS

Seventy adult patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia.

INTERVENTIONS

Seventy adult patients were assigned to the rocuronium (MR group; 35 patients) or control group (C group; 35 patients). Anesthesia was induced with propofol and remifentanil, and 0.9mgkg(-1) rocuronium was administered in the MR group.

MEASUREMENTS

The number of attempts to successful insertion, sealing pressure, and subjective difficulty of insertion were compared between the groups.

MAIN RESULTS

The total number of insertion attempts were as follows: one (MR group, 17 cases; C group, 4 cases), two (MR group, 13 cases; C group, 14 cases), three (MR group, 4 cases; C group, 14 cases), and failure (MR group, 1 case; C group, 3 cases), which was significantly different (P<.001). Sealing pressure was significantly higher in the MR group than in the C group (MR group, 22.1±5.4 cmH2O; C group, 18.7±3.2 cmH2O, P<.001). Subjective difficulty of insertion was significantly lower in the MR group than in the C group (C group, 72.4±19.0mm; MR group, 29.4±18.3mm; P<.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Our randomized clinical trial suggests that muscle relaxation facilitates i-gel insertion efficacy in anesthetized patients, as assessed by successful insertion rate, sealing pressure, and subjective difficulty of insertion.

Comparison of the Disposable Streamlined Liner of the Pharynx Airway and the Disposable I-gel in Anaesthetized, Paralyzed Adults: A Randomized Prospective Study

Introduction. This study compared streamlined liner of the pharynx airway (SLIPA) and I-gel noninflatable, single-use, supraglottic airway device (SAD) performance in anesthetized, paralyzed adults. Methods. Eighty adults (ASA physical statuses I–III) who were undergoing elective procedures under general anesthesia with an SAD were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, single-blind study. Subjects were randomly and evenly assigned to the SLIPA or I-gel group for intraoperative airway management. Ease and number of insertions, insertion time, oropharyngeal sealing pressure, hemodynamic response, oxygen saturation (SpO₂), end-tidal CO₂ (EtCO₂), and peri- and postoperative complications were examined. Results. The SLIPA and I-gel devices were successfully inserted in 100% and 95% of subjects, respectively. In two I-gel subjects (5%), ventilation was not possible after two attempts, but a size 55 SLIPA was successfully inserted in both cases. Forty-two and 38 patients were ultimately included in the SLIPA and I-gel groups, respectively. Insertion time was significantly shorter with the SLIPA (11.19 ± 3.03 s) than with the I-gel (15.05 ± 6.37 s, P = 0.003). Oropharyngeal sealing pressure was significantly higher in SLIPA (28.76 ± 3.11 cmH₂O) than in I-gel (25.9 ± 3.65 cmH₂O) subjects (P = 0.001). Blood staining occurred more frequently in SLIPA (n = 8, 19.0%) than in I-gel (n = 5, 13.2%) patients (P < 0.01). Heart rate, mean arterial blood pressure, SpO₂, and EtCO₂ were not significantly different between groups. Conclusion. Although blood staining incidence was higher, SLIPA insertion was easier and faster than I-gel insertion. The SLIPA provided better airway sealing pressure. Both devices had similar mechanical ventilation and oxygenation characteristics and comparable hemodynamic stability. Both noninflatable SADs are useful, but SLIPA rapid insertion and good airway sealing make it an effective alternative to the I-gel.

Complications Associated with the Use of Supraglottic Airway Devices in Perioperative Medicine

Supraglottic airway devices are routinely used for airway maintenance in elective surgical procedures where aspiration is not a significant risk and also as rescue devices in difficult airway management. Some devices now have features mitigating risk of aspiration, such as drain tubes or compartments to manage regurgitated content. Despite this, the use of these device may be associated with various complications including aspiration. This review highlights the types and incidence of these complications. They include regurgitation and aspiration of gastric contents, compression of vascular structures, trauma, and nerve injury. The incidence of such complications is quite low, but as some carry with them a significant degree of morbidity the need to follow manufacturers' advice is underlined. The incidence of gastric content aspiration associated with the devices is estimated to be as low as 0.02% with perioperative regurgitation being significantly higher but underreported. Other serious, but extremely rare, complications include pharyngeal rupture, pneumomediastinum, mediastinitis, or arytenoid dislocation. Mild short-lasting adverse effects of the devices have significantly higher incidence than serious complications and involve postoperative sore throat, dysphagia, pain on swallowing, or hoarseness. Devices may have deleterious effect on cervical mucosa or vasculature depending on their cuff volume and pressure.

Difficult Airway Society 2015 guidelines for management of unanticipated difficult intubation in adults

These guidelines provide a strategy to manage unanticipated difficulty with tracheal intubation. They are founded on published evidence. Where evidence is lacking, they have been directed by feedback from members of the Difficult Airway Society and based on expert opinion. These guidelines have been informed by advances in the understanding of crisis management; they emphasize the recognition and declaration of difficulty during airway management. A simplified, single algorithm now covers unanticipated difficulties in both routine intubation and rapid sequence induction. Planning for failed intubation should form part of the pre-induction briefing, particularly for urgent surgery. Emphasis is placed on assessment, preparation, positioning, preoxygenation, maintenance of oxygenation, and minimizing trauma from airway interventions. It is recommended that the number of airway interventions are limited, and blind techniques using a bougie or through supraglottic airway devices have been superseded by video- or fibre-optically guided intubation. If tracheal intubation fails, supraglottic airway devices are recommended to provide a route for oxygenation while reviewing how to proceed. Second-generation devices have advantages and are recommended. When both tracheal intubation and supraglottic airway device insertion have failed, waking the patient is the default option. If at this stage, face-mask oxygenation is impossible in the presence of muscle relaxation, cricothyroidotomy should follow immediately. Scalpel cricothyroidotomy is recommended as the preferred rescue technique and should be practised by all anaesthetists. The plans outlined are designed to be simple and easy to follow. They should be regularly rehearsed and made familiar to the whole theatre team.

Comparison of three supraglottic airway devices for airway rescue in the prone position: A manikin-based study

BACKGROUND

Accidental extubation during surgery in prone position can be life-threatening. Supraglottic airway devices (SAD) have been used successfully in such situations to rescue the airway. However, which SAD would be most appropriate in this setting has not been described in the literature.

AIMS

The aim of our study was to determine the most appropriate SAD for securing airway in a prone position during accidental extubation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the study, Airway Trainer (Laerdal) manikin was used for studying insertion of three SADs; I-gel, Laryngeal Mask Airway ProSeal™ (PLMA) and LMA Classic™ (CLMA) in the prone position. Forty anesthesia resident doctors participated in this study. The time taken for insertion; ease of insertion and ventilation; bronchoscopic view; and insertion score were compared among the three groups.

RESULTS

The time taken for I-gel insertion was significantly lesser (12.89 ± 3.94 seconds) as compared to CLMA (17.07 ± 3.5 seconds) and PLMA (25 + 4.78 seconds). Least resistance was encountered in the insertion of I-gel, while maximum resistance was experienced in PLMA group (22.5% vs. 90%). The maneuver required for optimal positioning was observed in 27.5% of PLMA insertion, 2.5% in CLMA while no maneuver was required in any of the I-gel insertion. Ease of ventilation was comparable in all three SADs. The bronchoscopic view and insertion score were significantly higher with I-gel as compared to CLMA and PLMA.

CONCLUSION

All three SADs were successful as rescue devices during accidental extubation in the prone position. However, the ease of insertion was maximum with I-gel, followed by CLMA and PLMA.

Laryngoscopy facilitates successful i-gel insertion by novice doctors: a prospective randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

This study investigated the hypothesis that the efficacy of insertion of the supraglottic device i-gel(®) (i-gel) can be improved by laryngoscopy and can provide better sealing pressure in anesthetized patients by novice doctors.

METHODS

Eighty-four adult patients were assigned to the laryngoscopy group (L group, 42 patients) or control group (i.e., conventional blind insertion; C group, 42 patients). Anesthesia was induced with propofol and remifentanil, and rocuronium 0.6-0.9 mg/kg was administered. The number of attempts until successful insertion, sealing pressure, vital sign changes upon insertion, and subjective difficulty of insertion by novice doctors were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

The total number of insertion attempts was one (L group 36 cases, C group 23 cases), two (L group 6 cases, C group 18 cases), and three (L group 0 case, C group 1 case), with significant differences between groups (P = 0.007). The sealing pressure was significantly higher in the L group than in the C group (L group 22.3 ± 2.6 cmH2O, C group 19.5 ± 2.7 cmH2O, P < 0.001). Vital sign changes (heart rate and blood pressure) did not differ between the two groups. The subjective difficulty of insertion was significantly lower in the L group than in the C group (L group 26.8 ± 11.8 mm, C group 47.0 ± 15.1 mm, P < 0.001). The incidence of postoperative pharyngeal pain was significantly lower in the L group than in the C group (P < 0.001), while the incidence of hoarseness did not differ between the two groups (P = 1.00).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that laryngoscopy facilitates i-gel insertion by novice doctors, as reflected in the rate of successful insertions, higher sealing pressure, and lower subjective difficulty of insertion in anesthetized patients.

A randomized controlled trial of the effect of preoperative dexmedetomidine on the half maximal effective concentration of propofol for successful i-gel insertion without muscle relaxants

BACKGROUND

Dexmedetomidine is a useful anesthetic adjuvant for general anesthesia. We determined whether preoperative dexmedetomidine administration could reduce the half maximal effective concentration (EC50) of propofol for successful i-gel insertion without muscle relaxants.

METHODS

Thirty-seven patients were randomly allocated to one of two groups. In the dexmedetomidine group (n = 19), dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg) was loaded for 10 min preoperatively. In the control group (n = 20), the same volume of 0.9% normal saline was administered in the same manner. The EC50 of propofol for successful i-gel insertion was determined using Dixon's up-and-down method. The EC50 of propofol was calculated as the midpoint concentration after at least six crossover points had been obtained. For successful i-gel insertion, all of the following four factors were required—(1) no major movement of the body within 1 min of insertion, (2) no significant resistance to mouth opening, (3) cough ≤2, and (4) visible square wave capnogram without air leakage at a peak airway pressure of <10 cmH2O. Mean blood pressure (MBP) and heart rate (HR) were monitored during the peri-insertion period of i-gel.

RESULTS

The EC50 of propofol for successful i-gel insertion was 3.18 μg/mL in the dexmedetomidine group and 6.75 μg/mL in the control group (p < 0.001). The incidence of hypotension (MBP <80% of the baseline) during the peri-insertion period of i-gel was higher in the control group (p = 0.001), whereas the incidence of bradycardia (HR <80% of the baseline) was higher in the dexmedetomidine group (p = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative dexmedetomidine reduced the EC50 of propofol for successful i-gel insertion without muscle relaxants.

A prospective randomised comparison of two insertion methods for i-gel placement in anaesthetised paralysed patients: standard vs. rotational technique

In this prospective randomised study, we compared two techniques for i-gel(™) insertion. One hundred and eighty-one anaesthetised, paralysed adult patients were randomly allocated into one of two groups. In the standard group (n = 91), the i-gel was inserted using the standard technique. In the rotation group (n = 90), the i-gel was rotated 90° anticlockwise in the mouth and re-rotated in the hypopharynx to the original alignment. The success rate, insertion time, air leak pressure and complications were assessed. The success rate for insertion at the first attempt was lower for the standard technique, 78 (86%) vs. 87 (97%; p = 0.016). The mean (SD) insertion time was longer (26.9 (14.5) s vs. 22.4 (10.2) s; p = 0.016) and air leak pressure was lower (22.5 (10.4) cm H2O vs. 27.1 (9.4) cm H2O; p = 0.002) in the standard group. The incidence of bloodstaining was higher with the standard technique (8 (9%) vs. 1 (1%); p = 0.034). This study suggests that the rotational technique is superior to the standard technique for i-gel insertion.

Endoscopic removal of a self-expanding metallic airway stent: A case report

Self-expanding metallic stents are sometimes placed for the management of obstructing airway lesions or conditions such as airway wall malacia or tracheal stenosis. However, endoscopic removal of these devices from the airway can pose extreme challenges for both clinical airway management as well as for the administration of general anesthesia. We report on a 61-year-old man with a complex cardiac history presenting for endoscopic stent removal necessitated by the formation of extensive granulation tissue. Comorbidities included a history of myocardial infarction, an ischemic cardiomyopathy with severe left heart failure (ejection fraction of 25%), mild right heart failure, 2+ tricuspid regurgitation status post tricuspid valve repair, and atrial fibrillation. An automatic external (wearable) cardiac defibrillator (Zoll Life Vest) was also in place. Induction of anesthesia was carried out using etomidate, with maintenance of anesthesia carried out with a propofol infusion (total intravenous anesthesia). Rocuronium was used for neuromuscular blockade. A size 4 iGel supraglottic airway and, later, rigid bronchoscopy formed the basis for airway management. Stable conditions were met through the 2-h procedure, and the patient recovered uneventfully. Our successful experience in this case leads us to propose further use of a supraglottic airway in conjunction with total intravenous anesthesia for these procedures.

Utility of the Aintree Intubation Catheter in fiberoptic tracheal intubation through the three types of intubating supraglottic airways: a manikin simulation study

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to examine the utility of the Aintree Intubation Catheter (AIC) with three types of supraglottic airway devices for tracheal intubation (ISGAs) using a manikin.

Methods

Participants were 21 anesthesiologists with more than 2 years of experience in clinical anesthesia. Three types of ISGAs were passed through the glottis: Fastrack-Single Use (FSU; size 4), air-Q (size 3.5), and i-gel (size 4). Participants attempted fiberoptic tracheal intubation with the ISGAs in random order. Success rate of tracheal intubation, intubation time, and collision with the glottis were recorded. Participants also evaluated the subjective difficulty of the entire intubation process and passing the tracheal tube through the glottis using a Visual Analogue Scale.

Results

The FSU required a significantly longer time for intubation compared with the other two ISGAs (p < 0.05). AIC use did not significantly improve the success rate of intubation or shorten intubation times for any of the ISGAs. However, there were significantly more collisions with the glottis without AIC use for the FSU and air-Q compared to when they were used with the AIC (FSU, p = 0.015; air-Q, p = 0.025).

Conclusion

Among the ISGAs tested, intubation took longer with the FSU, and the FSU had a higher failure rate than the other ISGAs. AIC significantly decreased the number of collisions with the FSU and air-Q. These findings suggest that the AIC is effective in reducing collisions with the tracheal tube and thus will reduce the risk of mechanical injury to the airway.

Evaluation of airway management associated hands-off time during cardiopulmonary resuscitation: a randomised manikin follow-up study

INTRODUCTION

Airway management is an important component of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Recent guidelines recommend keeping any interruptions of chest compressions as short as possible and not lasting more than 10 seconds. Endotracheal intubation seems to be the ideal method for establishing a secure airway by experienced providers, but emergency medical technicians (EMT) often lack training and practice. For the EMTs supraglottic devices might serve as alternatives.

METHODS

40 EMTs were trained in a 1-hour standardised audio-visual lesson to handle six different airway devices including endotracheal intubation, Combitube, EasyTube, I-Gel, Laryngeal Mask Airway and Laryngeal tube. EMTs performances were evaluated immediately after a brief practical demonstration, as well as after 1 and 3 months without any practice in between, in a randomised order. Hands-off time was pair-wise compared between airway devices using a repeated-measures mixed-effects model.

RESULTS

Overall mean hands-off time was significantly (p<0.01) lower for Laryngeal tube (6.1s; confidence interval 5.2-6.9s), Combitube (7.9s; 95% CI 6.9-9.0s), EasyTube (8.8s; CI 7.3-10.3s), LMA (10.2s; CI 8.6-11.7s), and I-Gel (11.9s; CI 10.2-13.7s) compared to endotracheal intubation (39.4s; CI 34.0-44.9s). Hands-off time was within the recommended limit of 10s for Combitube, EasyTube and Laryngeal tube after 1 month and for all supraglottic devices after 3 months without any training, but far beyond recommended limits in all three evaluations for endotracheal intubation.

CONCLUSION

Using supraglottic airway devices, EMTs achieved a hands-off time within the recommended time limit of 10s, even after three months without any training or practice. Supraglottic airway devices are recommended tools for EMTs with lack of experience in advanced airway management.