Endotracheal intubation using i-gel and a flexible fiber optic bronchoscope: A case report

Lim, Hyun Kyoung; Choi, Chun Gil; Shinn, Helen Ki; Lee, Choon Soo; Hwang, Sung Il; Lee, Seong Muk; Song, Jang Ho

Case Report

Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia

Anesthesia and Pain Medicine 2012;7(2):147-150.
Published online May 1, 2012.

Endotracheal intubation using i-gel and a flexible fiber optic bronchoscope: A case report

Hyun Kyoung Lim, Chun Gil Choi, Helen Ki Shinn, Choon Soo Lee, Sung Il Hwang, Seong Muk Lee, Jang Ho Song

¹Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Korea. jhs@inha.ac.kr
²Department of Family Medicine, Hallym Hospital, Incheon, Korea.

Abstract

Most anesthesiologists, at one point or another, are faced with a difficult airway. We came upon an unexpected difficult airway and a failed intubation using a direct laryngoscope and lightwand. At this point, we decided to insert an i-gel which is quick and simple. This allowed us to maintain oxygenation and ventilation. After checking for the location of the laryngeal inlet with a flexible fiber optic bronchoscope, a 5.5 mm internal diameter endotracheal tube was inserted into the trachea over the flexible fiber optic bronchoscope. Finally, a suitable a 7.0 mm internal diameter endotracheal tube was inserted using an exchange catheter technique. With respect to this case, we conclused that the i-gel is a very helpful device for endotracheal intubation in patients with difficult airways.

Key Words: Difficult intubation, Fiberoptic, Supraglottic airway