A comparison of two supraglottic airway devices in general anaesthesia: baska mask® vs. I-gel

Objective: The aim of this was to compare the Baska® mask and the I-gel® airway in paralyzed patients during general anaesthesia in terms of clinical performance, the risk of aspiration, and intraoperative and postoperative characteristics. Material and Methods: The two devices were compared in 100 paralyzed anesthetized adult patients. Primary outcomes of the study were to evaluate the characteristics of the airway devices within respect to the success of first insertion attempt, the insertion time, the ease of insertion, leak volume, and peak airway pressure. The blood staining on the mask, and the presence of gastric reflux or sore throat two hours postoperatively were evaluated. Hemodynamics, end-tidal CO2 and the peripheral oxygen saturation measurements were secondary outcomes. Results: No statistically significant difference was observed between the groups in the criteria of first attempt success rate, ease of insertion, blood staining upon removal of the masks, gastric regurgitation, or sore throat two hours after the procedure. The insertion time was significantly longer for the Baska® mask compared with the I-gel® airway. The leak volume was significantly higher in the Baska® mask patients throughout the surgical procedure. The heart rate and mean arterial pressure measurements were significantly higher in the Baska® mask patients. Conclusions: Both the Baska® mask and the I-gel ® device can be used effectively for selected paralyzed patients under general anaesthesia. The insertion time was significantly longer for the Baska® mask compared with the I-gel® device.