i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

Fernández Díez A, Prez Villafane A, Bermejo González JC, Marcos Vidal JM. Rev Esp Anestesiol Reanim 2009; 56: 474- 478

In this study, 85 patients were randomised into two groups for ventilation via LMA Supreme® or i-gel® supraglottic airways. Ease of insertion, seal pressure, ventilatory parameters and insertion of a gastric tube were all recorded. Both devices were easy to insert, with the SupremeTM and i-gel® being inserted on the first attempt in 95.2 and 86% of cases respectively. Performance was generally comparable.

Abstract text

Francksen H, Renner J, Hanss R, Scholz J, Doerges V, Bein B. Anaesthesia 2009; 64(10): 1118-1124

In this study, 80 patients were randomly allocated to either i-gel® or LMA-Unique® insertion before minor surgery. Ventilation, insertion time, airway pressure, leak pressure and postoperative sore throat were all measured. Results were similar for all parameters other than airway leak pressure, which was significantly higher in the i-gel® (mean pressure 29cm H2O compared to 18cm H2O). Both devices are acceptable for use in securing an airway, however the increased leak pressure is an advantage for the i-gel®.

Link to abstract.

Ghai A, Saini S, Hooda S. Anaesthesia 2009; 64(10): 1151

This letter is a response to Baxter’s 2008 report of lightened anaesthesia due to a leak from the gastric channel of the i-gel®. The authors found that they experienced similar problems with the LMA Supreme®. No glottic structures were visualised on fibreoscopy through the airway channel, and through the gastric channel, it revealed the tip in front of the glottis rather than the oesophagus.

Link to abstract.

Drolet P. Can J Anesth 2009; 56(10): 715-720

This article discusses the gastric channel or drain tube as a safety feature provided in supraglottic airways. Although pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents is a relatively rare event, it can be made rarer with the use of devices that include a gastric channel, particularly if they are inserted using a bougie. i-gel® is discussed.

Link to abstract.

Keijzer Ch, Buitelaar DR, Efthymiou KM, Sramek M, Ten Cate J, Ronday M, Stoppa T, Huitink JM, Schutte PF. Anesth Analg. 2009; 109(4): 1092-1095

This study from the department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care at the Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital and the VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam compared the rate of postoperative sore throat and neck complaints with i-gel® to a well known brand of laryngeal mask. Patients were interviewed postoperatively at 1hr, 24hrs and 48 hrs. The authors found significantly lower levels of sore throat with i-gel®, as well as lower levels of dysphagia.

Link to abstract.