A study to evaluate fibreoptic-guided intubation through the i-gel™

Abstract

Objective: The i-gel™ superglottic airway (Intersurgical, Berkshire, UK) has been reported to function as an airway rescue device and as a conduit for fibre-optic intubation in predicted difficult airways. The wider and shorter stem of the i-gel™ and the absence of a grille at the distal end suggests that it may serve as an ideal channel for intubation using a fibrescope. The aim of this prospective study was to determine the feasibility of using fibreoptic-guided intubation through an i-gel™ airway in adult patients undergoing elective surgery.