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The i-gel is a novel and innovative supraglottic airway management device, made of a medical grade thermoplastic elastomer, which is soft, gel-like and transparent.
The i-gel is designed to create a noninflatable anatomical seal of the perilaryngeal structures whilst avoiding compression trauma.
The device has been developed after extensive literature searches related to airway devices dating back from the eighteenth century. Fresh cadaveric neck dissections, X-rays, CT and MRI data were all utilised in order to ensure the i-gel’s shape, softness and contours accurately mirror those of the pharyngeal, laryngeal and perilaryngeal framework.
The i-gel is a truly anatomical device achieving a mirrored impression of those structures without causing multidirectional forces of compression or displacement trauma to the tissues and structures in the vicinity.
i-gel gets its name from the soft gel-like material from which it is made. It is the innovative application of this material that has enabled the development of a unique noninflatable cuff. This key feature means insertion of i-gel is easy, rapid and consistently reliable. i-gel is also incredibly easy to use. A proficient user can achieve insertion of the i-gel in less than 5 seconds. With no inflatable cuff, i-gel provides a safe and rapid airway management solution.
