A cohort evaluation of the paediatric i-gel(™) airway during anaesthesia in 120 children.

We studied the i-gel™ in 120 anaesthetised children (92 boys, 28 girls; median (IQR [range]) age (3 -7 [0.4 -13]) years and weight 19 (15-26 [7-35]) kg) to assess efficacy and usability. Insertion was successful on the first/second/third attempt in 110/8/1 children and failed in one child. Median (IQR [range]) insertion time was 14 (9-16 [6-200]) s. Manual ventilation was possible in all cases, although excess leak precluded a tidal volume above 7 ml.kg(-1) in three children. Fibreoptic inspection through the i-gel revealed a clear view of the vocal cords in 40 out of 46 cases (87%). Median (IQR [range]) leak pressure was 20 (16-26 [8-30]) cmH(2) O. During maintenance of anaesthesia, 16 manipulations were required in 11 children to improve the airway. One child regurgitated without aspirating. Other complications and side effects were infrequent. The i-gel was inserted without complications, establishing a clear airway and enabling spontaneous and controlled ventilation, in 113 (94%) children.