i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

Fischer H, Hochbrugger E, Fast A, Hager H, Steinlechner B, Koinig H, Eisenburger P, Frantal S, Greif R. Resuscitation 2010; 82(3): 326-31

This study compared the use of the i-gel®, LMA Supreme®, LMA Unique® and LMA ProSeal® supraglottic airways and bag-valve mask ventilation. 267 third-year medical students were given standardised training before using all devices in random order on an airway training manikin. The number of attempts needed to secure the device, time to successful ventilation, tidal volume, ease of use and incidence of gastric inflation were all recorded. After 12 months, participants used the devices again without further training. In both assessments, the i-gel® and the Supreme were the most likely to be inserted successfully on the first attempt. These devices were rated as the easiest to use. The i-gel® and bag-valve mask had the quickest time to successful ventilation, however the rate of gastric inflation was much higher with the bag-valve mask.

Abstract mask

Castle N, Owen R, Hann M, Naidoo R, Reeves D. Emerg Med J 2010; 27(11): 860-86 

In this study, 36 final-year paramedic students were randomised into one of six groups, each of which inserted three airway devices into a manikin in a different order. The devices used were the i-gel®, the laryngeal mask airway and the Laryngeal Tube airway. The students were timed while performing each insertion and interviewed afterwards to determine which device they preferred and why. All insertions were successful on the first attempt. The i-gel® was significantly faster than its competitors with a mean insertion time of 12.3s. Due to the speed and ease of insertion, 63% of students named the i-gel® as their preferred airway.

Link to abstract.

Tsuruta S, Yamada M, Shimizu T, Satsumae T, Tanaka M, Mizutani T. Masui 2010; 59 (11): 1411-1414

This paper describes the use of an i-gel® for ventilation during two craniotomy procedures. Both patients were anaesthetised and operated on using the asleep-awake-asleep technique. The i-gel® was inserted successfully and removed for the first time as the patients were able to respond to their own names being called. After the ‘awake’ period of surgery was complete, the i-gel® was reinserted easily in both cases despite a 30° rotation of the neck. There were no adverse incidents. The authors conclude that the i-gel® is appropriate for use during asleep-awake-asleep surgery due to the ease of insertion when the neck is rotated.

Abstract text