title: [Fiberoptic-guided tracheal intubation through the i-gel supraglottic airway].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The i-gel is a rescue device for ventilation or tracheal intubation in patients with a difficult airway. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and reliability of fiberoptic-guided intubation through the i-gel in anesthetized patients with no history of difficult intubation undergoing elective surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients were enrolled in the study with prior informed consent. After insertion of the i-gel, the larynx was observed by bronchoscopy, and the bronchoscopic view through the i-gel was graded. Tracheal intubation was performed under fiberoptic guidance, and the i-gel was removed. The outcome was evaluated using the success rate of initial intubation as the primary variable, and complications were evaluated as a secondary variable.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The first attempt at intubation was successful in all 52 patients evaluated, and there was no problem with i-gel removal. No arterial oxygen desaturation was noted throughout the induction of anesthesia, and no serious complication was observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Fiberoptic-guided intubation could be performed safely through the i-gel. The i-gel is considered to be potentially useful as an alternative conduit for fiberoptic-guided intubation.
authors.forename: Motoko
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Shimizu
authors.forename: Noriko
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Yoshikawa
authors.forename: Yuki
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Yagi
authors.forename: Yae
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Tsumura
authors.forename: Ayako
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kukida
authors.forename: Kumiko
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Hirakawa
authors.forename: Arisa
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Hotta
authors.forename: Ai
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nakamoto
authors.forename: Naoko
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ohira
authors.forename: Shigeki
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tatekawa
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000768:Anesthesia, General; D005260:Female; D005336:Fiber Optic Technology / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012449:Safety