Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research (Jul 2022)
Comparison between Polyvinyl Chloride and Flexometallic Endotracheal Tube for Blind Tracheal Intubation through I-gel: A Randomised Clinical Study
Abstract
Introduction: I-gel is the most commonly used, second-generation supraglottic airway device, which plays an important role in modern anaesthesia practice as a rescue device in difficult as well as failed intubation situations and resuscitations. Now-a-days, it is gaining popularity as a conduit to facilitate endotracheal intubation. No Endotracheal Tube (ETT) is designed specifically for intubation through I-gel. The ETT used for routine tracheal intubation are standard Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) ETT and Flexometalic ETT. Aim: To compare the two different types of ETTs i.e. standard PVC ETT and Flexometatlic ETT for blind tracheal intubation through I-gel. Materials and Methods: The present study was a single-blinded, randomised clinical trial in which 120 patients were randomly allocated into two groups on the basis of the ETT used for intubation through I-gel. In group P blind tracheal intubation was done using PVC ETT, and in group F blind tracheal intubation was done using Flexometatlic ETT through I-gel. Time taken for successful intubation, number of successful intubations, ease of intubation, number of attempts, manoeuvers used, and complications were recorded. Quantitative variables were compared using an independent t-test and qualitative variables were compared using the Chi-square test. Results: The mean time taken for successful intubation in group P was 22.31±3.771 sec and in group F was 26.51±4.408 sec (p<0.001). Intubation was significantly easy (26/60 vs 13/60) with PVC ETT (p=0.011). More patients were successfully intubated with PVC ETT than Flexometalic ETT (48/60 vs 36/60; p=0.017). Conclusion: Polyvinyl Chloride Endotracheal Tube (PVC ETT) is a better choice for blind tracheal intubation through I-gel as compared to flexometallic ETT.
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