i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

Sood S, Saxena A, Thakur A, Chahar S. Saudi J Anaesth. 2019 Oct-Dec; 13(4): 290–294.

This prospective randomised study aimed to compare the performance of two supraglottic airway devices (SADs) the i-gel and LMA Fastrach when performing fiberoptic-guided intubation in adult paralysed patients. 60 patients were randomly assigned to either i-gel or LMA Fastrach. Several parameters were assessed, which included ease and time taken for fiberoptic-guided intubation (primary outcome), time taken for successful SAD placement, ease of insertion, ease and time of removal, as well as haemodynamic parameters and postoperative complication (secondary outcomes). Findings demonstrated that the Fastrach had a faster tracheal intubation and higher airway sealing pressure. On the other hand, the ETT was easier to insert when using the i-gel as compared to the Fastrach. Haemodynamic parameters were comparable between both devices. In addition, post removal complications were observed in either devices. Therefore, both devices are comparable in terms of performance and efficacy facilitating fiberoptic-guided intubation in adult paralysed patients.

Link to abstract.

Kang H, Lee Y, Lee S, Song Y, Lim TH, Oh J, Lee J, Shin H. PLoS One. 2018 Apr 19;13(4):e0195745

This study carried out an investigation on the use of two respirators (fold- and cup-type) by physicians (n=26) as protection against infections during intubation procedures with three different devices (DL, GlideScope and i-gel). Results showed a lower protection level when wearing the cup-type respirator during intubation with DL (75%) compared to GlideScope (100%) and i-gel (100%). Therefore, the type of airway device selected for intubation may impact on the level of protection of certain types of respirators. However, due to the limited number of respirators tested and the small sample size, additional larger studies are needed to validate these results.

Link to abstract.

Metterlein T, Dintenfelder A, Plank C, Graf B, Roth G. Rev Bras Anestesiol. 2017 Mar - Apr;67(2):166-171

Random assignment of 52 adult patients to different supraglottic devices, from: Laryngeal Tube, LMA, i-gel, LMA Unique, LMA Supreme and Aura-once. After successful ventilation, device positioning was examined to assess glottic opening. Glottic view ranged from 40% for Laryngeal Tube to 90%, with i-gel recording 70%.

Link to abstract.

Landsdalen HE, Berge M, Kristensen F, Guttormsen AB, Søfteland E. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2017 Jan;61(1):23-30 

An observational study using Tracheal intubation Assisted by Bronchoscopy And Sad during Continuous Oxygenation (TABASCO) method through the i-gel. Easy intubation was secured in all patients with no adverse events recorded.

Link to abstract

Baratto F, Gabellini G, Paoli A, Boscolo A. Am J Emerg Med. 2017 Jan 26

Report of two cases of attempted suicide by firearm managed with the use of the i-gel O2 Resus Pack. In both patients, laryngoscopy attempts failed before an i-gel was inserted and either fibreoptic-assisted intubation or fibreoptic bronchoscopy were performed. Authors conclude that the i-gel's properties mean the device could easily be used by untrained rescuers and might perform an important role during out-of-hospital emergency.

Link to abstract.