Comparison of the effects of paratracheal pressure and cricoid pressure on placement of the i-gel® supraglottic airway: a randomized clinical trial

Anesthesiologists can use supraglottic airway devices as a rescue technique for failed intubation even in patients with an increased risk of gastric regurgitation. In this randomized study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of cricoid pressure and paratracheal pressure on placement of the i-gel® (Intersurgical Ltd., Wokingham, Berkshire, UK). After induction of anesthesia in 76 adult patients, we inserted the i-gel under paratracheal or cricoid pressure, and assessed the success rate of i-gel insertion, resistance during insertion, time required for insertion, accuracy of the insertion location, tidal volumes, and peak inspiratory pressure with or without each maneuver after i-gel insertion. The overall success rate of insertion was significantly higher under paratracheal pressure than under cricoid pressure (36/38 [95