The Clinical Efficacy of Recently Developed Supraglottic Airway Device, I-gel™, in Neonates and Infants: Comparison With Classic-laryngeal Mask Airway (c-LMA)

Although the safety and efficacy of the Classic-laryngeal mask airway (c-LMA) in children has been shown in several large observational studies, findings suggest that the smaller-sized c-LMAs, in particular sizes 1 and 1½, are less suitable for airway maintenance under general anesthesia in small infants and that they may even be associated with more frequent complications than with the facemask and endotracheal tube. The pediatric i-gel is a new supraglottic airway device for children. It is made of a soft, gel-like elastomer with a noninflatable cuff. Studies about I-gel in adults have been promising, showing an easy insertion, high airway leak pressures, and low complication rates with few postoperative complaints. The aim of this study is to compare clinical performance of the pediatric i-gel and c-LMA in infants.

Inclusion Criteria:

• infants (0-1 year of age)
• who scheduled for elective surgery of short duration (less than 2 hr) undergoing general anesthesia using supraglottic airway

Exclusion Criteria:

• patients with an abnormal airway
• with reactive airway disease
• with gastroesophageal reflux disease
• with chronic respiratory disease
• has a history of an upper respiratory tract infection in the preceding 6-week period