I-gel Versus LMA-Fastrach Supraglottic Airway for Flexible Bronchoscope-Guided Tracheal Intubation Using a Parker (GlideRite) Endotracheal Tube: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Comparison of Clinical Performance of I-gel and Fastrach Laryngeal Mask Airway as an Intubating Device in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

The supraglottic airway device (SGD) was introduced as a breakthrough in airway management. The Fastrach emerged as the first commercially available intubating SGD, drawing extensive investigation. I-gel is a more recent device that has gained popularity, can be used as an intubating SGD, and replaced Fastrach in many institutions. However, there is uncertainty regarding the comparison between these devices in terms of efficacy for intubation and ventilation, and safety in an airway rescue situation.

METHODS

PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing I-gel and Fastrach SGD in adult patients undergoing intubation. The primary outcome was the first-pass success rate for tracheal intubation. Secondary outcomes were tracheal intubation time, SGD insertion time and success, and complications. We computed risk ratios (RRs) to assess binary end points and weighted mean differences (WMDs) for continuous outcomes, with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the primary outcome and its subgroup analysis (P < .05 was considered statistically significant) and 99% CI after Bonferroni correction for the secondary outcomes (P < .01 was considered statistically significant).

RESULTS

This study included a total of 14 RCTs encompassing 1340 patients. The results indicated a significant difference in the first-pass success rate favoring Fastrach (RR, 0.81; 95% CI, 0.67-0.98; P = .03; I² = 91%). In the subgroup analysis, when a flexible scope was utilized through I-gel, providers achieved a better tracheal intubation first-pass success rate (RR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.11; P = .03; I² = 0%), compared with the Fastrach. Overall intubation success rates (RR, 0.92; 99% CI, 0.82-1.04; P = .08, I² = 92%) and time (WMD - 1.03 seconds; 99% CI, -4.75 to 2.69; P = .48; I² = 84%) showed no significant difference irrespective of the device used. There was no significant difference regarding device insertion time by the providers (WMD -6.48 seconds; 99% CI, -13.23 to 0.27; P = .01; I2 = 98%). Success rates of the providers' initial SGD insertion and complications such as sore throat (RR, 1.01; 99% CI, 0.65-1.57; P = .95, I² = 33%) and blood presence post-SGD removal (RR, 0.89; 99% CI, 0.42-1.86; P = .68, I² = 0%) showed no significant difference.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our findings, a higher first-pass success rate was observed with the use of Fastrach when compared to I-gel. However, the use of I-gel might result in a better intubation success rate with the flexible scope-guided intubation. There are no significant differences in performance in terms of the success rate for intubation overall, time for device insertion, or time to intubation or complications regardless of the device used.

Orotracheal Intubation Challenges in an Anticipated Difficult Mask Ventilation, Preoxygenation, Tricky Laryngoscopy, and Supraglottic Airway Device Insertion: A Case Report

With the advancement of technology, equipment, and airway management knowledge, anticipated difficult airway (DA) management has come a long way towards excellence. Usually, anticipated difficulties are related to bag-mask ventilation (BMV), laryngoscopy, intubation, or supraglottic airway placement; all in a single patient pose exceptionally challenging airway management. We may electively plan a surgical airway, but the option may not be available, especially when the patient provides tracheostomy permission only for emergency airway management, not for an elective. A 48-year-old male patient with a probable diagnosis of midline lethal granuloma presented with right-side nasal blockade, deformity, and near-total blockade of the left nasal cavity with right-sided mid-facial swelling, pain, and foul-smelling discharge and an ulcerated hard palate and was scheduled for an endoscopic biopsy. The airway examination predicted difficult bag-mask ventilation, pre-intubation oxygenation, risky laryngoscopy, and supraglottic airway insertion. Even airway topicalization, sedation, and preparation for awake intubation were challenging. Resource limitations and unexpected desaturation while attempting awake intubation led to an emergent situation; i-gel came as a rescue, and ultimately, the definitive airway was secured using a 6.5 mm cuffed endotracheal tube (ETT), railroaded over a fibreoptic bronchoscope (FOB), and inserted through i-gel. We present the case to highlight the challenges and discuss the possible remedies where our technique can be an alternative for cases with difficult mask ventilation, intubation, and supraglottic airway insertion.

A stepwise lung recruitment maneuver using I-gel can improve respiratory parameters: A prospective observational study

I-gel has been used in various clinical situations. The study investigated alterations in respiratory parameters following a stepwise lung recruitment maneuver (LRM) using the i-gel. The research involved 60 patients classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists class I-II, aged 30 to 75 years, undergoing elective urologic surgery. Various respiratory parameters, including lung compliance, airway resistance, leak volume, airway pressure, and oxygen reserve index, were recorded at different time points: before LRM, immediately after LRM, and at 5, 15, and 30 minutes after LRM, as well as at the end of the surgery. The primary outcome was to assess an improvement in lung compliance. Dynamic lung compliance (mean ± SD) was significantly increased from 49.2 ± 1.8 to 70.15 ± 3.2 mL/cmH2O (P < .05) after LRM. Static lung compliance (mean ± SD) was increased considerably from 52.4 ± 1.7 to 65.0 ± 2.5 mL/cmH2O (P < .05) after the LRM. Both parameters maintained a statistically significant increased status for a certain period compared to baseline despite a decreased degree of increment. Airway resistance (mean ± SD) was significantly reduced after the LRM from 12.05 ± 0.56 to 10.41 ± 0.64 L/cmH2O/s (P < .05). Stepwise LRM using i-gel may improve lung compliance and airway resistance. Repeated procedures could lead to prolonged improvements in respiratory parameters.

Flexible bronchoscopic intubation through a supraglottic airway device: An evaluation of consultant anaesthetist performance

BACKGROUND

Few clinical studies investigate technical skill performance in experienced clinicians.

METHODS

We undertook a prospective observational study evaluating procedural skill competence in consultant anaesthetists who performed flexible bronchoscopic intubation (FBI) under continuous ventilation through a second-generation supraglottic airway device (SAD). Airway management was recorded on video and performance evaluated independently by three external assessors. We included 100 adult patients undergoing airway management by 25 anaesthetist specialists, each performing four intubations. We used an Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills-inspired global rating scale as primary outcome. Further, we assessed the overall pass rate (proportion of cases where the average of assessors' evaluation for every domain scored ≥3); the progression in the global rating scale score; time to intubation; self-reported procedural confidence; and pass rate from the first to the fourth airway procedure.

RESULTS

Overall median global rating scale score was 29.7 (interquartile range 26.0-32.7 [range 16.7-37.7]. At least one global rating scale domain was deemed 'not competent' (one or more domains in the evaluation was scored <3) in 30% of cases of airway management, thus the pass rate was 70% (95% CI 60%-78%). After adjusting for multiple testing, we found a statistically significant difference between the first and fourth case of airway management regarding time to intubation (p = .006), but no difference in global rating scale score (p = .018); self-reported confidence before the procedure (p = .014); or pass rate (p = .109).

CONCLUSION

Consultant anaesthetists had a median global rating scale score of 29.7 when using a SAD as conduit for FBI. However, despite reporting high procedural confidence, at least one global rating scale domain was deemed 'not competent' in 30% of cases, which indicates a clear potential for improvement of skill competence among professionals.

I-gel Plus acts as a superior conduit for fiberoptic intubation than standard i-gel

The supraglottic airway (SGA) is widely used. I-gel Plus is a next-generation i-gel with some improvements, including facilitation of fiberoptic tracheal intubation (FOI). To compare the performance of i-gel Plus and standard i-gel as conduits for FOI, a Thiel-embalmed cadaveric study was conducted. Twenty-two anesthesiologists were enrolled as operators in Experiment 1. The i-gel Plus and standard i-gel were inserted into one cadaver, and the FOI was performed through each SGA. The primary outcome was time required for FOI. The secondary outcomes were the number of attempts and visual analog scale (VAS) score for difficulty in FOI. Moreover, fiberoptic views of the vocal cords in each SGA were assessed by an attending anesthesiologist using nine cadavers in Experiment 2. The percentage of glottic opening (POGO) score without fiberscope tip upward flexion and upward angle of the fiberscope tip to obtain a 100% POGO score were evaluated as secondary outcomes. The time for FOI through i-gel Plus was significantly shorter than that through standard i-gel (median (IQR), i-gel Plus: 30.3 (25.4-39.0) s, vs standard i-gel: 54.7 (29.6-135.0) s; median of differences, 24.4 s; adjusted 95% confidence interval, 3.0-105.7; adjusted P = 0.040). Although the number of attempts for successful FOI was not significantly different, the VAS score for difficulty in the i-gel Plus group was significantly lower (easier) than that in the standard i-gel group. Moreover, i-gel Plus required a significantly smaller upward angle of the fiberscope tip to obtain a 100% POGO score. FOI can be performed more easily using i-gel Plus than using standard i-gel because of the improved fiberoptic visibility of vocal cords.

A randomized controlled trial comparing three supraglottic airway devices used as a conduit to facilitate tracheal intubation with flexible bronchoscopy

PURPOSE

Once difficult ventilation and intubation are declared, guidelines suggest the use of a supraglottic airway (SGA) as a rescue device to ventilate and, if oxygenation is restored, subsequently as an intubation conduit. Nevertheless, few trials have formally studied recent SGA devices in patients. Our objective was to compare the efficacy of three second-generation SGA devices as conduits for bronchoscopy-guided endotracheal intubation.

METHODS

In this prospective, single-blinded three-arm randomized controlled trial, patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status of I-III undergoing general anesthesia were randomized to bronchoscopy-guided endotracheal intubation using AuraGain™, Air-Q® Blocker, or i-gel® devices. We excluded patients with contraindications to an SGA or drugs and who were pregnant or had a neck, spine, or respiratory anomaly. The primary outcome was intubation time, measured from SGA circuit disconnection to CO2 measurement. Secondary outcomes included ease, time, and success of SGA insertion; success of intubation on first attempt; overall intubation success; number of attempts to intubate; ease of intubation; and ease of SGA removals.

RESULTS

One hundred and fifty patients were enrolled from March 2017 to January 2018. Median intubation times were similar across the three groups (Air-Q Blocker, 44 sec; AuraGain, 45 sec; i-gel, 36 sec; P = 0.08). The i-gel was faster to insert (i-gel: 10 sec; Air-Q Blocker, 16 sec; AuraGain, 16 sec; P < 0.001) and easier to insert (Air-Q Blocker vs i-gel, P = 0.001; AuraGain vs i-gel, P = 0.002). Success of SGA insertion, success of intubation, and number of attempts were similar. The Air-Q Blocker was easier to remove than the i-gel (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

All three second-generation SGA devices performed similarly regarding intubation. Despite minor benefits of the i-gel, clinicians should select their SGA based on clinical experience.

STUDY REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02975466); registered on 29 November 2016.

Comparisons on the intraoperative desaturation and postoperative outcomes in non-intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery with supraglottic airway devices or high-flow nasal oxygen: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Few studies have compared intraoperative oxygenation and perioperative outcomes between non-intubated video-assisted thoracic surgery (NIVATS) with supraglottic airway devices (SADs) and NIVATS with high flow nasal oxygenation (HFNO). The aim of this retrospective study was to compare the intraoperative desaturation rate and postoperative outcomes between NIVATS with SADs and NIVATS with HFNO.

METHODS

Data regarding NIVATS performed for lung cancer from January 2020 to December 2021 were collected. Intraoperative anesthetic results, post-anesthetic adverse effects, and surgical outcomes for patients who received SAD or HFNO were analyzed using propensity score-matched and unmatched analysis.

RESULTS

In total, 199 patients with i-gel™ and 95 patients with HFNO were included. Significantly more female patients (91.6 vs. 82.4%, p = 0.0378) and fewer wedge resections (78.9 vs. 85.4%, p = 0.0258) were observed in the HFNO group. Among 250 patients who underwent NIVATS wedge resections under total intravenous anesthesia, those who received HFNO had a significantly higher desaturation event rate (19.8% vs. 7.9% in i-gel™ group; p = 0.0063), lower nadir SPO₂ (94.0% vs. 96.1% in i-gel™ group; p = 0.0012), and longer hospitalization (4.0 ± 0.8 vs. 3.6 ± 0.6 in i-gel™ group; p < 0.0001). However, propensity score matching analysis revealed no significant between-group difference in the desaturation rate. A log-rank test revealed that smoking (p = 0.0005) and HFNO (p = 0.0074) were associated with intraoperative desaturation.

CONCLUSION

The rate of SAD use in NIVATS was twice the rate of HFNO use, especially for wedge resections. There is uncertain airway patency and limited flow through HFNO during one-lung ventilation, whereas SADs like i-gel™ presented a significantly less intraoperative desaturation rate over time and similar postoperative outcomes.

Bronchoscope-Guided Airway Rescue via an I-gel™ for Haematoma-Induced Airway Obstruction Following Anterior Cervical Spine Surgery

Airway obstruction requiring emergency airway rescue is an uncommon yet potentially fatal complication following anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. This report describes rapid clinical deterioration after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion despite haematoma evacuation. After failing to secure the airway with awake bronchoscope-guided tracheal intubation and video-laryngoscopy, an I-gel™ supraglottic airway was inserted, and alveolar oxygenation was restored. Bronchoscope-guided intubation was easily achieved via the I-gel™ lumen. The practicality of this technique for airway rescue in the context of a high-stakes time-critical airway emergency is discussed.

Comparison of SaCoVLM™ video laryngeal mask-guided intubation and i-gel combined with flexible bronchoscopy-guided intubation in airway management during general anesthesia: a non-inferiority study

BACKGROUND

When a difficult airway is unanticipatedly encountered and the initial laryngoscopic intubation fails, a supraglottic airway device (SAD) may be placed to aid ventilation and oxygenation, and act as a conduit for intubation. SaCoVLM™, as new SAD, can offer a direct vision to guide intubation. However, no study has evaluated the performance of SaCoVLM™ video laryngeal mask (VLM) intubation and i-gel combined with flexible bronchoscopy (FB)-guided intubation in airway management during general anesthesia.

METHODS

A total of 120 adult patients were randomly allocated into the SaCoVLM™ group (Group S) and i-gel group (Group I). After induction of general anesthesia, guided tracheal intubation under direct vision of the SaCoVLM™ was conducted in Group S, while Group I received FB-guided tracheal intubation using the i-gel. The success rate of SAD placement, first-pass success rate of guided tracheal tube placement, and total success rate in both groups were recorded. The time for SAD placement, time for guided tracheal intubation, total intubation time (time for SAD placement and intubation), glottic exposure grading and postoperative intubation complications (i.e., dysphagia, hoarseness, pharyngalgia, etc.) of both groups were also compared.

RESULTS

The first-time success rate of SAD placement was 98% in two groups. The first-pass success rate of guided endotracheal intubation was 92% in Group S and 93% in Group I (P = 0.74 > 0.05). The total intubation time was 30.8(± 9.7) s and 57.4(± 16.6) s (95% CI = -31.5 to -21.7) in Group S and Group I, respectively (P < 0.01). The total complication rate was 8% in Group S and 22% in Group I (P < 0.05). The laryngeal inlet could be observed in the S group through the visual system of SaCoVLM™. No dysphagia or hoarseness was reported.

CONCLUSION

SaCoVLM™ can reveal the position of laryngeal inlet, thus providing direct vision for tracheal intubation. SaCoVLM™ -guided intubation is faster, and does not rely on FB, compared to i-gel combined with FB-guided intubation. Besides, SaCoVLM™ has a lower post-intubation complication rate.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR2100043443); Date of registration: 18/02/2021.

AuraGain™ versus i-gel™ for bronchoscopic intubation under continuous oxygenation: A randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

After failed mask ventilation and tracheal intubation, guidelines issued by the Difficult Airway Society recommend placing a second generation supraglottic airway device to secure oxygenation. Ultimately, a secure airway can be obtained by tracheal intubation through the supraglottic airway device using a bronchoscope. In this randomised trial, we compared the AuraGain™ with the i-gel™ as conduit for bronchoscopic intubation under continuous oxygenation performed by a group of anaesthesiologists with variable experience in a general population of patients.

METHOD

We randomised one hundred patients who were equally allocated to flexible bronchoscopic intubation through the i-gel™ or the AuraGain™. In a random order, 25 anaesthesiologists each performed four intubations, two using the i-gel™ and two using the AuraGain™. Our primary outcome was 'total time for airway management'; i.e. total time from manually reaching the SAD to successful FBI confirmed at the end of the first inspiratory downstroke on the capnography curve.

RESULTS

In total, 87% (95% CI, 79%-92%) of the patients were successfully intubated through the allocated supraglottic airway device. There was no difference in total time for airway management between the i-gel™ and the AuraGain™ (199 vs. 227 s, p = .076). However, there was a difference in time for placement of the i-gel™, compared to the AuraGain™, (37 vs. 54 s, p < .001). There were nine failed intubations in the AuraGain™ group compared to four in the i-gel™ group (p = .147).

CONCLUSION

We found no difference in total time for airway management between using the i-gel™ and using the AuraGain™.

Intubating Through Supraglottic Airway Devices: A Narrative Review

Implication Statement: Despite the increasing popularity of video laryngoscopes, the supraglottic airway device (SAD) remains a critical airway rescue tool. The SAD provides a conduit for tracheal intubation in failed laryngoscopy. This article aims to help the operator: (1) select an intubating SAD with consistent performance; (2) inform the appropriate SAD-endotracheal tube pairings; and (3) explain various SAD and endotracheal tube maneuvers available to increase chances of successful intubation. Objectives: The first supraglottic airway device (SAD) was introduced more than thirty years ago. Since then, SADs have undergone multiple iterations and improvements. The SAD remains an airway rescue device for ventilation and an intubation conduit on difficult airway algorithms. Data Sources: Several SADs are specifically designed to facilitate tracheal intubation, i.e., “intubating SADs,” while most are “non-intubating SADs.” The two most commonly reported tracheal intubation methods via the SADs are the blind and visualized passage of the endotracheal tube (ETT) preloaded on a fiberoptic scope. Fiberoptic guided tracheal intubation (FOI) via an intubating SAD generally has higher success rates than blind intubations and is thus preferred. However, fiberscopes might not always be readily available, and anesthesiologists should be skilled to successfully intubate blindly through a SAD. Summery: This narrative review describes intubating SAD with consistent performance, appropriate SAD-ETT pairings, and various SAD and ETT maneuvers to increase successful intubation chances.

Utility of oxygen insufflation through working channel during fiberoptic intubation in apneic patients: a prospective randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

Airway management is a part of routine anesthetic procedures; however, serious complications, including hypoxia and death, are known to occur in cases of difficult airways. Therefore, alternative techniques such as fiberoptic bronchoscope-assisted intubation (FOB intubation) should be considered, although this method requires more time and offers a limited visual field than does intubation with a direct laryngoscope. Oxygen insufflation through the working channel during FOB intubation could minimize the risk of desaturation and improve the visual field. Therefore, the aim of this prospective randomized controlled study was to evaluate the utility and safety of oxygen insufflation through the working channel during FOB intubation in apneic patients.

METHODS

Thirty-six patients were randomly allocated to an N group (no oxygen insufflation) or an O group (oxygen insufflation). After preoxygenation, FOB intubation was performed with (O group) or without (N group) oxygen insufflation in apneic patients. The primary outcome was the velocity of decrease in the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO₂) during FOB intubation (V_PaO2, mmHg/sec) defined as the difference of PaO₂ before and after intubation divided by the time to intubation. The secondary outcomes included the success rate for FOB intubation, time to intubation, visual field during FOB intubation, findings of arterial blood gas analysis, and occurrence of FOB intubation-related complications.

RESULTS

We found that V_PaO2 was significantly greater in the N group than in the O group (1.0 ± 0.4 vs. 0.4 ± 0.4; p < 0.001), while the visual field was similar between groups. There were no significant intergroup differences in the secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that oxygen insufflation through the working channel during FOB intubation aids in extending the apneic window during the procedure.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT02625194 , registered at December 9, 2015.

Prospective, Randomized Comparison of the i-gel and the Self-Pressurized air-Q Intubating Laryngeal Airway in Elderly Anesthetized Patients

BACKGROUND

Age-related changes in upper airway anatomy may affect the overall performance of supraglottic airways significantly. The clinical performance of the i-gel and the self-pressurized air-Q intubating laryngeal airways with noninflatable cuffs for elderly populations remains unknown, unlike in children. Thus, we performed a prospective, randomized comparison of these 2 supraglottic airways in elderly patients undergoing general anesthesia.

METHODS

We recruited 100 patients, 65-90 years of age, who were scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia with muscle relaxation. The enrolled patients were allocated to the i-gel or self-pressurized air-Q group. We assessed oropharyngeal leak pressure as the primary outcome and fiberoptic view after placement and fixation of the airway and at 10 minutes after the initial assessment. The fiberoptic view was scored using a 5-point scale as follows: vocal cords not visible; vocal cords and anterior epiglottis visible, >50% visual obstruction of epiglottis to vocal cords; vocal cords and anterior epiglottis visible, <50% visual obstruction of epiglottis to vocal cords; vocal cords and posterior epiglottis visible; and vocal cords visible. We also investigated success rate and ease of insertion, insertion time, and manipulations during insertion as insertion variables, complications during maintenance and emergence periods, and postoperative pharyngolaryngeal complications including sore throat, dysphagia, and dysphonia.

RESULTS

After assessing for eligibility, 48 patients were allocated to each group. Oropharyngeal leak pressures were significantly higher in the i-gel group than in the self-pressurized air-Q group (P < .001) at the 2 measurement points. The raw mean difference at initial assessment and the median difference after 10 minutes were 5.5 cm H2O (95% confidence interval, 3.3-7.6 cm H2O) and 5.0 (95% confidence interval, 2.0-7.0 cm H2O), respectively. The initial scores of fiberoptic view were similar in the 2 groups. However, the self-pressurized air-Q supraglottic airway provided a significantly improved fiberoptic view at 10 minutes after initial assessment (P = .030). We found no statistically significant differences in insertion variables and complications between the 2 groups.

CONCLUSIONS

The i-gel provided better sealing function than the self-pressurized air-Q supraglottic airway according to the high oropharyngeal leak pressures in elderly patients during general anesthesia. The self-pressurized air-Q supraglottic airway had improved fiberoptic views in elderly patients during general anesthesia.

Rescue supraglottic airway devices at caesarean delivery: What are the options to consider?

Tracheal intubation is considered the gold standard means of securing the airway in obstetric general anaesthesia because of the increased risk of aspiration. Obstetric failed intubation is relatively rare. Difficult airway guidelines recommend the use of a supraglottic airway device to maintain the airway and to allow rescue ventilation. Failed intubation is associated with a further increased risk of aspiration, therefore there is an argument for performing supraglottic airway-guided flexible bronchoscopic intubation (SAGFBI). The technique of SAGFBI has a high success rate in the non-obstetric population, it protects the airway and it minimises task fixation on repeated attempts at laryngoscopic tracheal intubation. However, after failed intubation via laryngoscopy, there is a lack of specific recommendations or indications for SAGFBI in current obstetric difficult airway guidelines in relation to achieving tracheal intubation. Our narrative review explores the issues pertaining to airway management in these cases: the use of supraglottic airway devices and the techniques of, and technical issues related to, SAGFBI. We also discuss the factors involved in the decision-making process as to whether to proceed with surgery with the airway maintained only with a supraglottic airway device, or to proceed only after SAGFBI.

Awake supraglottic airway guided flexible bronchoscopic intubation in patients with anticipated difficult airways: a case series and narrative review

Awake intubation is indicated in difficult airways if attempts at securing the airway after induction of general anesthesia may lead to harm due to potential difficulties or failure in those attempts. Conventional awake flexible bronchoscopic intubation is performed via the nasal, or less commonly, oral route. Awake oral flexible bronchoscopic intubation (FBI) via a supraglottic airway device (SAD) is a less common technique; we refer to this as ‘supraglottic airway guided’ FBI (SAGFBI). We describe ten cases with anticipated difficult airways in which awake SAGFBI was performed. After sedation and adequate airway topicalization, an Ambu Auragain^TM SAD was inserted. A flexible bronchoscope, preloaded with a tracheal tube, was then inserted through the SAD. Finally, the tracheal tube was railroaded over the bronchoscope, through the SAD and into the trachea. The bronchoscope and the SAD were carefully removed, whilst keeping the tracheal tube in-situ. The technique was successful and well tolerated by all patients, and associated complications were rare. It also offered the advantages of performing an ‘awake test insertion’ of the SAD, an ‘awake look’ at the periglottic region, and an ‘awake test ventilation.’ In certain patients, awake SAGFBI offers advantages over conventional awake FBI or awake videolaryngoscopy. More research is required to evaluate its success and failure rates, and identify associated complications. Its place in difficult airway algorithms may then be further established.

Supraglottic airway devices as a strategy for unassisted tracheal intubation: A network meta-analysis

We aimed to compare the effectiveness of supraglottic airway devices as a strategy for unassisted tracheal intubation. Accordingly, we searched the OVID-MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, KoreaMed, and Google Scholar databases to identify all relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on supraglottic airway devices as a strategy for tracheal intubation published until May 2017. The primary outcome was the overall success rate of intubation by the intention to treat (ITT) strategy. The secondary outcomes of the study were the overall success rate of tracheal intubation by the per protocol (PP) strategy and the success rate of tracheal intubation at first attempt by ITT and PP. We conducted a network meta-analysis with a mixed-treatment comparison method to combine direct and indirect comparisons among supraglottic airway devices. Of 1396 identified references, 16 RCTs (2014 patients) evaluated unassisted intubation with supraglottic airway devices. Patients were grouped according to the type of device used: LMA-CTrach, LMA-Fastrach, Air-Q, i-gel, CobraPLA, Ambu-Aura, or single-use LMA devices. Based on the surface under the cumulative ranking curve, the three best supraglottic airway devices for use as a strategy for unassisted tracheal intubation were LMA-CTrach (which included video-assisted tracheal tube guidance), single-use LMA-Fastrach, and LMA-Fastrach. LMA-Fastrach showed a higher success rate of intubation than did i-gel, CobraPLA, Air-Q, and Ambu-Aura. However, this study was limited by the small number of eligible RCTs. Therefore, well-designed RCTs performed on large patient populations are required to increase the confidence of the results.

Assessment of awake i-gel™ insertion for fiberoptic-guided intubation in patients with predicted difficult airway: A prospective, observational study

Background and Aims:

Orotracheal intubation (OTI) with fiberoptic bronchoscope (FOB) in spontaneous ventilation is one of the main techniques for patients with predicted difficult airway. Latest generation supraglottic airway devices have been designed to allow OTI through them. We assessed the safety and effectiveness of FOB-guided OTI through i-gel™ device which was inserted in spontaneously breathing patients with predicted difficult airway.

Material and Methods:

Eighty-five patients with difficult airway predictors were included. The i-gel was inserted under oropharyngeal local anaesthesia and sedation. After checking the adequate ventilation through the i-gel with capnography curve, general anaesthesia was induced in order to introduce the endotracheal tube guided by FOB. We recorded the i-gel insertion time (t_gel), intubation time (t_int), O₂ saturation in pulse oximetry (SpO₂) at different times: basal (t₀), after 3 min of preoxygenation with a face mask at 100% FiO₂ (t₁), after i-gel mask insertion (t₂) and after intubation (t₃). Adverse events during the procedure were also recorded.

Results:

All patients were successfully intubated. SpO₂ values were: 96.9 ± 1.2 (t₀), 99.0 ± 0.9 (t₁), 96.2 ± 2.4 (t₂), 96.0 ± 2.5 (t₃). t_gel and t_int were 38.0 ± 7.8 s and 36.5 ± 5.6 s, respectively. No serious adverse events were recorded and no patient suffered airway trauma.

Conclusion:

I-gel insertion in spontaneous ventilation secures the airway before achieving fiberoptic intubation without the occurrence of adverse events. More studies might be necessary in order to confirm the results presented, but we consider that the technique described is a safe and effective alternative to classic OTI with FOB in spontaneously breathing patients with predicted difficult airway.

Comparison of learning performance of 2 intubating laryngeal mask airways in novice: A randomized crossover manikin study

BACKGROUND

Intubating laryngeal mask airways (LMAs) such as i-gel and Aura-i could serve as rescue devices in resuscitation and further ensure the airway by facilitating trachea intubation without ventilation interruption. But data regarding intubating LMAs in novice are limited and skill degeneration without regular training has not been evaluated. So we designed this prospective randomized crossover manikin study to compare the learning performance of 2 intubating LMAs (i-gel and Aura-i).

METHODS

In total, 46 novice doctors participated in this study. After standardized training and finishing 3 consecutive successful intubations with both LMAs on manikin, each participant applied intubation with both LMAs in random order for initial evaluation. To evaluate skill retention, participants were reassessed 90 days later on the same manikin without retraining between times. Primary outcome was time to successful ventilation (TTV).

RESULTS

The TTV for i-gel was significantly shorter than Aura-i (initial evaluation 11.8 ± 2.9 seconds vs 22.4 ± 5.2 seconds, 90-days reevaluation 14.9 ± 3.6 seconds vs 28.9 ± 10.0 seconds, initial evaluation, P = .001; second evaluation, P < .001); during re-evaluation, TTV taken for i-gel and Aura-i were both significantly longer (initial evaluation, P = .001; second evaluation, P < .001) and ease score of insertion both increased profoundly (i-gel P = .025; Aura-i P < .001). In both assessments, participants preferred i-gel as easier alternative (initial evaluation, P = .001; second evaluation, P < .001). There was no difference in successful intubation rate, first attempt success rate, bronchoscopy assessment, and insertion score for 2 LMAs.

CONCLUSION

Compared with Aura-i, i-gel showed a faster and easier intubation by novice doctors in this manikin study; the skill retention of intubation performance after 3 months was acceptable for both intubating LMAs, but TTV prolonged significantly.

The i-gel Supraglottic Airway as a Conduit for Fibreoptic Tracheal Intubation – A Randomized Comparison with the Single-use Intubating Laryngeal Mask Airway and CTrach Laryngeal Mask in Patients with Predicted Difficult Laryngoscopy

Fibreoptic intubation through a supraglottic airway is an alternative plan for airway management in difficult or failed laryngoscopy. The aim of this study was to compare three supraglottic airways as conduits in patients with at least one predictor for difficult laryngoscopy. The i-gel was compared with the single-use intubating laryngeal mask airway (sILMA) and CTrach laryngeal mask in 120 adult patients scheduled for elective surgeries under general anaesthesia using a prospective, randomized and single-blinded design. Primary outcome was success rate of tracheal intubation through the device, while secondary outcomes were times required for device insertion and tracheal tube placement, fibreoptic scores and the incidence of perioperative complications and postoperative complaints. The success rates showed no statistical difference between devices (i-gel 100%, CTrach 97.5%, ILMA 95%). Insertion time was shortest for the i-gel (12.4 s) compared with ILMA (19.3 s) and CTrach (24.4 s). Intubation time was shorter in the i-gel group (29.4 s) in comparison with the CTrach (39.8 s, p<0.05) and sILMA (51.9 s, p<0.001) groups. Best fibreoptic scores were observed also in the i-gel group. In total, 24 patients (20%) presented with difficult laryngoscopy. The i-gel showed significantly shorter times for insertion and fibreoptic intubation than the other two devices in this group. No difference was observed in the incidence of postoperative complaints. The i-gel is a suitable alternative to the sILMA and CTrach for fibrescope-guided tracheal intubation. Shorter insertion and intubation times with the i-gel may provide advantage in case of difficult oxygenation.

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.

Effect of head position on the success rate of blind intubation using intubating supraglottic airway devices

BACKGROUND

To evaluate the effect of head position on the performance of intubating supraglottic airway devices, we compared the success rate of blind intubation in the head-elevated and the pillowless head positions with the LMA Fastrach and the air-Q, and the change of glottic visualization through the air-Q.

METHODS

We assigned 193 patients to two groups according to the device used and subgrouped by head position used for intubation: Fastrach/pillowless, Fastrach/head-elevated, air-Q/pillowless, and air-Q/head-elevated. Blind intubation through the Fastrach or the air-Q was attempted up to twice after induction of general anesthesia. Before the attempt at blind intubation with the air-Q, the percentage of glottic opening (POGO) score was also fiberscopically evaluated at the outlet of the device in both head positions in a cross-over fashion.

RESULTS

The Fastrach significantly facilitated blind intubation compared with the air-Q in both the pillowless and head-elevated positions: 87.2% in Fastrach/pillowless vs 65.9% in air-Q/pillowless (P=.048), 90% in Fastrach/head-elevated vs 53.7% in air-Q/head-elevated (P<.001). The head-elevated position did not significantly affect the success rate of blind intubation for either device (P=.97 in Fastrach, P=.37 in air-Q). Although the head-elevated position significantly improved the POGO score from the median (10-90 percentile) 60% (0-100%) in the pillowless position to 80% (0-100%) (P=.008), it did not contribute to successful blind intubation with the air-Q.

CONCLUSION

Although the head-elevated position improved glottic visualization in the air-Q, the head position had minimal influence on the success rate of blind intubation with either the Fastrach or the air-Q.