An i-gel supraglottic airway is preferred over classic LMA for second-generation airway devices because it offers which key additional feature?

• A Higher seal pressure due to a thermoplastic gel cuff conforming to supraglottis
• B A built-in fibreoptic light source for confirming positioning
• C Cuff inflation with nitrous oxide to maintain seal during anaesthesia
• D Integrated gastric drain channel allowing gastric tube passage and reducing aspiration risk ✓

Explanation

The i-gel is a second-generation supraglottic airway device with a non-inflatable thermoplastic elastomer bowl that conforms to the supraglottic anatomy. Its key safety advantage over classic LMA is the integrated gastric channel, which allows passage of a 5–7 Fr suction catheter or nasogastric tube into the stomach, providing a route to vent regurgitated material and reducing aspiration risk. Second-generation devices (i-gel, ProSeal LMA, Supreme LMA) are recommended for higher-risk patients and most routine general anaesthesia.

Reference: Morgan & Mikhail's Clinical Anesthesiology, 6th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.