i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

Ladny JR, Bielski K, Szarpak L, Cieciel M, Konski R, Smereka J. Am J Emerg Med. 2017 May; 35(5): 786-787

Manikin study to assess effectiveness of blind intubation through the i-gel, LMA Classic and a standard cuffed tracheal tube, performed by 34 nurses in CPR conditions across two scenarios (with and without chest compressions). Primary measure was time to intubation. i-gel recorded a lower median time to intubation and higher, statistically significant, successful insertion rates in both scenarios. Performing compressions doesn't significantly affect time to perform blind intubation in this setting, but reduces the effectiveness of first intubation attempt. i-gel was faster in both scenarios.

Link to abstract.

An J, Nam SB, Lee JS, Lee J, Yoo H, Lee HM, Kim MS. Medicine (Baltimore). 2017 Jan;96(1):e5801

Authors conducted a specialised search of study databases for eligible randomised controlled trials, setting device insertion time and first-attempt insertion success rate as their primary outcomes. In the 14 RCTs included, i-gel was faster than the majority of other supraglottic airways, with only three others recording shorter insertion times. Authors concluded that the 'unapparent advantage' of insertion success rate indicated the need for further evidence gathering in this area.

Link to abstract.

Michálek P, Donaldson W, McAleavey F, Abraham A, Mathers RJ, Telford C. Prague Med Rep. 2016;117(4):164-175

Comparative study of three supraglottic airways as conduits in patients with predicted difficult laryngoscopy. Primary outcome measure was success rate of tracheal intubation through the device. No statistical difference was recorded in success rates between devices, however i-gel proved quicker to insert compared to ILMA and the intubation time was shorter compared to CTrach. i-gel is a suitable alternative to sILMA and CTrach in this scenario, and the shorter times recorded may provide an advantage in cases of difficult oxygenation.

Link to abstract.

Wetsch WA, Schneider A, Schier R, Spelten O, Hellmich M, Hinkelbein J. Eur J Emerg Med. 2015 Oct;22(5):374-6

Manikin study to assess speed of effective ventilation administered in a simulated motor vehicle accident victim, comparing i-gel against tracheal intubation, Ambu AuraOnce and laryngeal tube. Fastest effective ventilation achieved with i-gel.

Link to abstract