For what purpose is I gel used? A guide to the i-gel supraglottic airway device

October 11, 2025 •

3 min read

Developed over years of extensive research, the i-gel is a unique single-use, non-inflatable supraglottic airway management device that has transformed modern airway control. This innovative tool, designed to work in perfect unison with the patient's anatomy, has a distinct set of applications. So, for what purpose is I gel used, and how does it compare to other airway adjuncts?

Quick Summary

The i-gel is a medical device for establishing and maintaining a secure airway during medical procedures and emergencies. Its primary uses are in general anesthesia for fasted patients, as a rescue device for failed intubation, and for airway management during cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Key Points

Airway Management: The primary purpose of the i-gel is to establish and maintain a secure airway during anesthesia or emergency medical situations.
Anesthesia: It is widely used in routine surgical procedures for fasted patients requiring general anesthesia with spontaneous or positive pressure ventilation.
Emergency Care: The i-gel serves as a vital rescue airway device during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) or when other airway techniques fail.
Unique Design: It features a soft, gel-like, non-inflatable cuff that creates an anatomical seal without inflation, which reduces the risk of trauma.
Gastric Channel: Most adult and pediatric sizes include a gastric channel to enhance patient safety by allowing for gastric decompression and identifying regurgitation.
Difficult Airway: It can be used as a conduit for fiberoptic-guided intubation in patients with known or unexpectedly difficult airways.

Understanding the i-gel Supraglottic Airway Device

The i-gel is a 2nd-generation supraglottic airway (SGA) device, distinguished by its non-inflatable, gel-like cuff made from a medical-grade thermoplastic elastomer. This unique cuff is anatomically shaped to create a seal around the perilaryngeal structures without needing air inflation, unlike traditional SGAs. This design aims to minimize compression trauma and reduce the risk of postoperative complications. Most sizes also feature an integrated gastric channel.

Core Purposes of i-gel Use

The i-gel is used to establish and maintain a clear airway in various medical settings. These include routine general anesthesia for fasted patients, emergency airway management during resuscitation, as a rescue device for difficult mask ventilation or failed intubation, and for certain sizes (3, 4, and 5) as a conduit for fiberoptic-guided tracheal intubation.

Key Features and Advantages

The i-gel's design offers benefits such as simple and rapid insertion, reduced airway trauma compared to devices requiring cuff inflation, enhanced safety through an integrated gastric channel for decompression and detecting regurgitation, an anatomical seal without cuff pressure adjustments, and an integrated bite block. For a more detailed description of the i-gel's uses, features, and advantages, see {Link: Bell Medical, Inc https://bellmedical.com/i-gel-supraglottic-airway}.

i-gel vs. Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA): A Comparison

The i-gel and LMA are both SGAs but differ in several key areas. The i-gel features a non-inflatable gel-like cuff, while LMAs typically have an inflatable silicone cuff. The i-gel is generally faster to insert and may result in fewer minor complications like sore throat. While some second-generation LMAs have a gastric channel, it is integrated into most i-gel sizes. Both provide an adequate seal for ventilation.


Feature	i-gel Supraglottic Airway	Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA)	Notes
Cuff Design	Non-inflatable, gel-like.	Inflatable silicone cuff.	i-gel's design simplifies insertion and may reduce trauma.
Insertion Time	Generally faster due to fewer steps.	Requires cuff inflation after placement.	Faster insertion can be critical in emergencies.
Complications	Lower incidence of minor issues like sore throat.	Potential for mucosal trauma from cuff pressure.	i-gel's soft cuff is less traumatic.
Gastric Channel	Integrated in most sizes.	Present in some second-generation LMAs (e.g., ProSeal), absent in first-generation.	Gastric channel improves safety by managing regurgitation.
Seal Pressure	Provides adequate seal for ventilation.	ProSeal LMA may offer slightly higher seal pressure, but i-gel is effective.	Both are suitable for ventilation.

Contraindications and Considerations

The i-gel is not suitable for all patients and has specific contraindications, including an intact gag reflex, limited mouth opening, known esophageal disease, and anatomical abnormalities in the oropharynx. Potential risks include minor trauma, laryngospasm, nerve injury, and aspiration, particularly in non-fasted patients. Correct sizing and technique are crucial for safe use.

Conclusion

The i-gel supraglottic airway device is valuable in airway management for anesthesia, emergency resuscitation, and difficult airways. Its non-inflatable design, rapid insertion, and gastric channel contribute to its effectiveness and safety. Proper understanding of its use is key to optimizing patient care outcomes. For more detailed comparisons, refer to [Comparison of the I-Gel and the Laryngeal Mask Airway ProSeal during General Anesthesia]({Link: PLOS ONE journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0119469}).

Frequently Asked Questions

The i-gel is a single-use, supraglottic airway device made from a medical-grade thermoplastic elastomer. It features a unique, non-inflatable, gel-like cuff that is anatomically shaped to create a seal over the laryngeal inlet for effective airway management.

Yes, the i-gel device is available in seven different sizes to accommodate a wide range of patients, from neonates to large adults.

Insertion is typically straightforward and can be performed quickly by trained providers. The lubricated device is guided downward and backward along the hard palate until a definitive resistance is felt, indicating proper placement.

Advantages include faster insertion times, a lower risk of airway trauma due to its non-inflatable cuff, and a reduced incidence of postoperative complications like sore throat and dysphagia.

While it can be used in emergencies, the i-gel is most commonly used for routine anesthesia in fasted patients. In non-fasted patients, there is a higher risk of regurgitation and aspiration, though the gastric channel helps to mitigate this risk.

Yes, major contraindications include an intact gag reflex, limited mouth opening, known esophageal disease, and anatomical abnormalities like masses or severe trauma in the pharynx.

If initial insertion fails, reassessment is necessary. A jaw thrust can aid in placement, or a different size might be needed. If multiple attempts fail, an alternative airway management strategy must be used.

The gastric channel provides a passageway for gastric decompression to reduce stomach contents. It also allows for early detection of regurgitation, which enhances patient safety by lowering the risk of aspiration.