Supraglottic Airway (i-gel)

Question 1

Indications for an i-gel?

Answer 1

1. Actual loss of airway patency and/or airway protection

Question 2

Contraindications for an i-gel?

Answer 2

1. Conscious breathing patients

2. Continuous use for >4 hours

Question 3

Complications of an i-gel?

Answer 3

1. Failure to provide adequate airway or ventilation
2. Patient intolerance
3. Hypoxia
4. Can precipitate vomiting & aspiration in a patient with an intact gag reflex
5. Oropharyngeal trauma

Question 4

How is an i-gel inserted?

Answer 4

Remove any dentures/obvious plates from the patient’s mouth

Open patient’s mouth and insert lubricated i-gel with the cuff outlet facing towards the chin of the patient

Gently advance until the patient’s incisors are resting on the bite block