{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Comparison between head rotation and standard techniques for i-gel™ insertion: a randomized controlled trial.
{Author}: Lee S;Nam K;Park SJ;Ju JW;Cho YJ;Jeon Y;
{Journal}: BMC Anesthesiol
{Volume}: 24
{Issue}: 1
{Year}: 2024 Jul 10
{Factor}: 2.376
{DOI}: 10.1186/s12871-024-02621-7
{Abstract}: BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the effect of head rotation on the first-attempt success rate of i-gel insertion, aiming to alleviate the effect of gravity on the tongue and reduce resistance between the device and the tongue.
METHODS: Adult surgical patients were randomized to standard and head rotation technique groups. In the head rotation technique group, patients' heads were maximally rotated to the left before i-gel insertion. The primary endpoint was the first-attempt success rate. Secondary endpoints included the success rate within two attempts (using the allocated technique), time required for successful i-gel placement within two attempts, and success rate at the third attempt (using the opposite technique).
RESULTS: Among 158 patients, the head rotation technique group showed a significantly higher first-attempt success rate (60/80, 75.0%) compared to the standard technique group (45/78, 57.7%; P = 0.021). The success rate within two attempts was similar between the groups (95.0% vs. 91.0%, P = 0.326). The time required for successful i-gel placement was significantly shorter in the head rotation technique (mean [SD], 13.4 [3.7] s vs. 16.3 [7.8] s; P = 0.030). When the head rotation technique failed, the standard technique also failed in all cases (n = 4), whereas the head rotation technique succeeded in five out of the seven patients where the standard technique failed.
CONCLUSIONS: The head rotation technique significantly improved the first-attempt success rate and reduced the time required for successful i-gel insertion. It was effective when the standard technique failed. The head rotation technique may be an effective primary or alternative method for i-gel insertion.
BACKGROUND: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05201339).