- A sterile, single-use, supraglottic airway management device used in anesthesia and emergency medicine for establishing a clear airway
Uses
- Routine anesthesia:
- Used for managing the airway during routine general anesthesia for fasted patients
- Emergency medicine/resuscitation:
- Ideal for use in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and difficult airway management scenarios where quick and reliable airway access is needed
- Ventilation:
- Facilitates spontaneous or intermittent positive pressure ventilation (IPPV)
- Aspiration protection:
- The integrated gastric channel allows for the passage of a nasogastric tube to empty stomach contents, providing additional protection against aspiration
- Conduit for intubation:
- Can be used as a guide for fiberoptic intubation (for adult sizes)
Features
- Non-inflatable cuff:
- Made from a soft, gel-like, medical-grade thermoplastic elastomer that creates an anatomical seal without the need for inflation, eliminating the risk of over or under-inflation and reducing trauma
- Gastric channel:
- An integrated channel allows for gastric access and venting, improving patient safety
- Integral bite block:
- A built-in bite block helps prevent the patient from biting down and occluding the airway channel
- Buccal cavity stabilizer and epiglottic rest:
- These features aid insertion, prevent rotation, and reduce the chance of the epiglottis folding down and obstructing the airway
- Single-use and sterile:
- Provided sterile and designed for single-patient use to ensure infection control and consistent performance
- Latex and PVC free:
- Reduces the risk of allergic reactions in sensitive patients
- Color-coded packaging:
- The size 5 device is color-coded orange for quick and easy identification, with clear weight guidance provided (90+ kg)
Benefits
- Rapid and easy insertion:
- The unique anatomical design and non-inflatable cuff allow for quick, easy, and reliable insertion, which is critical in emergency situations
- Reduced trauma:
- The soft, gel-like material and lack of an inflatable cuff minimize the risk of compression trauma and post-operative complications like sore throat
- High seal pressures:
- Provides a high-quality anatomical seal, ensuring effective ventilation and protection
- Improved patient safety:
- The gastric channel provides a clear warning of regurgitation and allows for proactive stomach management, enhancing overall safety
- Hemodynamic stability:
- Insertion of the i-gel has been shown to cause less hemodynamic response compared to endotracheal intubation, leading to fewer spikes in heart rate and blood pressure
- Versatility:
- Suitable for a wide range of clinical scenarios, from routine operating room procedures to difficult airway management in the field
