Use and Efficacy of I-gel in Complicated Intubations in Newborn Infants: A Review of Case Reports in the Literature

Introduction Current guidelines for neonatal resuscitation suggest the use of a laryngeal mask when ventilation with both facemask and endotracheal tube has failed in newborns weighing >2000 g or delivered >= 34 weeks of gestation age. Paediatric I-gel (R) is one of the latest supraglottic airway management devices suitable for children and newborns. I-gel (R) use was effective in guaranteeing adequate ventilation in patients with anatomic abnormalities in case of respiratory impairment or during surgical procedures after the induction of anaesthesia. Objective The purpose of our review was to evaluate the use and efficacy of I-gel (R) in case of complicated intubations. Methods In July 2023, two authors of this paper independently conducted searches of the MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Scopus databases without imposing any time constraints or other restrictions. Three case reports were included, each describing the use of I-gel (R) device in difficult intubations in newborns with anatomical abnormalities. Results No difficulties were reported in the insertion of the device, which was placed even by inexperienced clinicians. Conclusion The data collected highlighted the possibility of using I-gel (R) not only as a rescue device after attempted and failed endotracheal placement but also as a first choice in selected patients. Studies on larger cohorts would be needed. Further research involving larger patient cohorts of multicentre NICUs is necessary to confirm the use of laryngeal masks in neonates weighing less than 2000 grams.