Effect of Head and Neck Positions on Oropharyngeal Seal Pressure with Baska Mask Versus I- Gel: A Prospective Randomized Interventional Study

Abstract

Introduction: Airway management is a crucial skill for clinical anaesthesiologists. It is an integral part of general anesthesia, allowing ventilation and oxygenation as well as a mode of anesthetic gas delivery. This study was aimed to compare oropharyngeal seal pressure, peak inspiratory pressure, and exhaled tidal volume in different head and neck positions between two different groups using Baska mask and I-gel in paralyzed adult patients. Methodology: The study population (n=100) was randomly divided into two groups by opaque sealed envelope technique. Group A (n=50) received Baska mask and group B (n=50) received I-gel. Calculated volume of intravenous fluids was started through intravenous line secured with 18G cannula at 8 ml/kg body weight. Anaesthesia was induced in supine position with the patient's head in neutral position, resting on a roll sheet under shoulder. Oropharyngeal seal pressure (OSP) was measured by closing the expiratory valve of the circle system at a fixed gas flow of 3 L/minutes and noting the airway pressure at which equilibrium was reached. Results: Mean oropharyngeal seal pressure at different head and neck position among cases of Baska mask group was higher than cases of I-gel group and this difference in mean oropharyngeal seal pressure at different head and neck position was found to be statistically significant (p value <0.05). Conclusion: Baska mask and I-gel have comparable insertion success rates, insertion time, number of attempts for insertion, ease of insertion, and stable haemodynamic parameters. Hence, both I-gel and Baska mask can be used as ventilatory devices in anesthetized and paralyzed patients.

Keywords

• Baska mask, I-gel, Neck position, Oropharyngeal seal pressure