A comparison of 3rd generation to 2nd generation airway devices
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A comparison of the 3rd generation Intubating laryngeal tube to the I Gel
IRAS ID
204009
Contact name
Jen Boston
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Guy's and St Thomas' NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 1 months, 0 days
Research summary
We are comparing the use of a newer generation (3rd) laryngeal mask to the 2nd generation widely used at present. The device we are looking to trial is already licensed and used by several trusts in the country. The company responsible for the manufacture of this product is VBM Medizintechnik GmBH, Germany. The recent difficult airway society guidelines recommend the use of these newer generation devices and this has been the incentive to conduct this project. The laryngeal mask we want to look at works in the same way as the ones already in use but should have some added features that make it a more reliable tool to use. Under general anaesthetic, patients either have a tube inserted into their trachea (windpipe) or have a mask that sits above the trachea that keeps them ventilated (breathing). We also use these laryngeal masks as an aid to intubate through them if we anticipate the patient to be a challenging intubation. The advantage of these masks is smoother emergence from anaesthesia and safer intubation through them. These newer generation masks have an additional feature which is an extension of the mask with a balloon that sits in the oesophagus which apart from giving a better seal/position of the mask it should also protect the patient in the event of vomiting under anaesthesia which the current laryngeal masks we use(2nd generation) do not. We will look at ease of placement of these devices, ventilatory pressures and if their end tidal CO2 concentration is better with these masks. We will also be confirming position with a fibrescope ( camera) which is something we practice daily. At the end when fully awake prior to discharge and by telephone the next day we will be asking patients if they have a sore throat or any discomfort.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/LO/1210
Date of REC Opinion
18 Jul 2016
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion