I-Gel Supraglottic Airway

The I-Gel supraglottic airway is a diposable, latex-free device for airway management during anaesthesia. The design of this device is significantly different from the previously used devices, notably laryngeal mask airways. Its bowl is made of a soft, non-inflatable thermoplastic elastomer, anatomically preformed to mirror the perilaryngeal structure. The I-Gel contains an additional epiglottis rest, which helps to prevent the epiglottis from down-folding or obstructing the laryngeal inlet. The device also includes a gastric channel, allowing drainage of air and gastric contents or passage of a gastric tube. This book provides a brief history of airway management and the classification of supraglottic airway devices; the mechanisms and forces contributing to their seal, and highlights the main differences between the devices. Also discussed is the process of I-Gel development including an initial mannequin and cadaver studies, with a description of the I-Gel’s use in clinical practice, indications and description of its use in the operating room, and use of the I-Gel in different surgical subspecialities including laparoscopic procedures.