ILMA Fastrach Versus I-gel for Fiberoptic Tracheal Intubation

The ILMA Fastrach™ is a widely accepted and intensively investigated supraglottic airway device that is inserted blindly. It may be used to facilitate intubation and secure the airway in routine practice, in difficult airway scenarios or in emergency situations. Endotracheal tube insertion may be blind or fiberoptic scope guided, the latter raises the success rate. The i-gel™ is a newly developed supraglottic airway device and is also introduced blindly. Insertion of an endotracheal tube may be blind or fiberoptically guided.

So far, prospective randomized controlled trials comparing their performance are not yet published. There are case reports about intubating over the i-gel.

In this prospective, randomized, controlled trial, we are going to evaluate the performance of intubation through both devices. In 250 patients undergoing elective surgery, we will place either the ILMA or the i-gel according to randomization and then intubate with the help of a fiberoptic scope, using the specific ILMA tracheal tube or a normal tracheal tube for the i-gel. In order to remove the supraglottic airway devices, we will use the ILMA stabilizer rod.

Inclusion criteria

• elective operation with intubation
• ASA I-IV
• speaks German
• at least one predictor for difficult intubation

Exclusion criteria

• weight <30kg
• Risk Aspiration
• Risk bleeding orally
• known or highly suspected difficult mask ventilation
• Mouth opening < 20mm