Docsinnovent Ltd has launched what it says is the first ever commercial range of veterinary-species-specific, supraglottic airway devices.Docsinnovent Ltd has launched what it says is the first ever commercial range of veterinary-species-specific, supraglottic airway devices.

Nicki Glen, Marketing Manager at Docsinnovent said: "v-gel is a truly unique, supraglottic airway management device that represents the culmination of years of extensive research and development. It has exceptional provenance from the human equivalent "i gel" having been used in hospitals around the world for the past 5 years.

"Made from a medical grade elastomer material, the v-gel has been designed to create an anatomical high quality pressure seal around the laryngeal structures whilst avoiding compression trauma."

Initially for rabbits and cats, and subsequently for dogs and horses, each species will have six colour coded sizes supplied in a protective cradle that also helps manage the sterilisation process.

According to the company, the benefits of the v-gel system are:

  • The v-gel offers the anaesthetist a new method of airway management which reduces the potential of upper airway trauma and improves patient comfort post operatively.
  • The unique, soft gel like material and anatomically mirrored design aids easy insertion and provides a high quality pressure seal whilst reducing trauma risk.
  • The design minimises rotation and allows the v-gel to self position during insertion, over the airway.
  • Each individual unit facilitates high quality autoclave sterilisation to ensure that there is no risk of cross infection.
  • The device has a larger than normal airway channel to reduce airway resistance when compared with endotracheal tubes.

For more information, visit stand 609 at BSAVA Congress or, from 12th April, www.docsinnovent.com.

In addition, there is a clinical research abstract being presented at BSAVA Congress:

Title: Use of a novel Supraglottic airway device to maintain gaseous anaesthesia in rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Presented and researched by Kevin Eatwell BVSc (Hons) DZooMed (Reptilian) Dip ECZM               (Herp) MRCVS
Venue: In the Crompton Room, Austin Court under the EXOTICS stream
Time: Thursday 12th April at 12:20pm

PS: Whilst you're here, take a moment to see our latest job opportunities for vet nurses.