Successful endotracheal intubation using i‐gel supraglottic airway device and ultrasonography in a patient with bedside cervical traction: A case report

Abstract

We report a case of successful endotracheal intubation using i‐gel and ultrasonography without a laryngoscope in a patient with a bedside cervical traction device. A 57‐year‐old man was referred to the emergency department because of quadriparesis following a motor vehicle accident, who was confirmed to have cervical dislocation with spinal cord compression. For ventilation support, the i‐gel rescue airway device was placed to secure the patient airway temporarily. Then, an endotracheal tube was passed through the stem of the i‐gel while observing the optimal tube position with ultrasonography. This case showed that ultrasonography can be used for early confirmation of endotracheal tube placement into the trachea via the i‐gel.