Use of i-gel in magnetic resonance imaging

Anesthesia for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) requires special equipment that can be used in the presence of a magnetic field. Endotracheal tube and various laryngeal mask airway devices have a variable quantity of ferromagnetic material in the pilot balloon that could reduce image quality and result in artifacts. The i-gel is a reliable, easily inserted airway device, and causes minimal interference in image quality. We used i-gel in 10 anaesthetized adult patients undergoing MRI. The quality of image, evidence of airway, tongue, and dental trauma were assessed throughout the procedure. All scans were diagnostically adequate. Therefore, we concluded that i-gel causes the least ferromagnetic interference compared with other devices and improves the quality of imaging and produces minimal artifact while scanning.