i-Gel Supraglottic Airway for Inexperienced Anesthesia Residents

i-gel (Intersurgical Ltd., Wokingham, UK) is a new supraglottic airway device with a cuff made of thermoplastic elastomer gel. We retrospectively studied easiness of insertion and troubles in ventilation when this device was used by less experienced anesthesiologists. Consecutive eleven cases undergoing surgery under general anesthesia were studied. i-gel was successfully inserted in 7 cases (63%) at the first attempt, 2 cases at the second attempt without changing the size. In one case, the size was changed at the second attempt, which resulted in the successful insertion. There was one case of failed insertion even at the second attempt. Fiberoptic observation of the glottis showed direct contact of the cuff to the arytenoids cartilage in cases with successful insertion, however, spastic glottis, defined as contact of vocal cords was observed in 4 cases, and down-folding of the epiglottis was observed in 2 cases. During maintenance of anesthesia, ventilation trouble was observed in 3 cases. We conclude that i-gel should only be used with sufficient knowledge, preparations, skills or support from experienced physician to solve problems related to the safe use of supraglottic airway devices.