i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

A comprehensive list of all known published clinical evidence on the device

Pre-hospital i-gel blind intubation for trauma: a simulation study

Kim JG, Kim W, Kang GH, Jang YS, Choi HY, Kim H, Kim M. Clin Exp Emerg Med. 2018 Mar 30;5(1):29-34. 

This prospective randomised crossover study was carried out to evaluate the performance and efficacy of the i-gel blind intubation (IGI) in airway management for pre-hospital trauma patients. Here, two blind intubation techniques were assessed (by 18 paramedics) using two supraglottic airway devices (IGI and LMA Fastrach) and a Macintosh laryngoscope (MCL).

Link to abstract.

Comparison of the Macintosh laryngoscope and blind intubation via the iGEL for intubation with cervical spine immobilization: A randomized, crossover, manikin trial

Gawlowski P, Smereka J, Madziala M, Szarpak L, Frass M, Robak O. Am J Emerg Med. 2017 Mar; 35(3): 484-487.

Paramedics performed standard intubation and blind intubation in three airway scenarios. Results show that blind intubation with the i-gel was superior to ETI performed by paramedics.

Link to abstract.

Design and implementation of the AIRWAYS-2 trial

Taylor J, Black S, Brett S, Kirby K, Nolan JP, Reeves BC, Robinson M, Rogers CA, Scott LJ, South A, Stokes EA, Thomas M, Voss S, Wordsworth S, Benger JR. Resuscitation. 2016 Sep 30. pii: S0300-9572(16)30476-2

Patient enrollment began in June 2015 for this study comparing the use by paramedics of the i-gel against endotracheal intubation in OHCA in the UK. The primary outcome is the modified Rankin Scale score at hospital discharge. The trial will enrol 9070 patients over two years.

Link to abstract.

An exploration of the views of paramedics regarding airway management

Brandling J, Rhys M, Thomas M, Voss S, Davies S, Benger J. Scand J Trauma Resusc Emerg Med. 2016; 24: 56

A study within a UK ambulance study exploring the customs and beliefs or paramedics in relation to airway management and whether tracheal intubation sustains professional identity. Interviews were conducted with 17 participants, which identified four key factors: pride, utility, expectations and professionalisation. Authors conclude the interviews identified a 'wide range of views' on airway management based on evidence and experience.

Link to abstract

Randomised comparison of the effectiveness of the laryngeal mask airway supreme, i-gel and current practice in the initial airway management of out of hospital cardiac arrest (REVIVE-Airways): a feasibility study

Benger J, Coates D, Davies S, Greenwood R, Nolan J, Rhys M, Thomas M, Voss S. Br J Anaesth. 2016;116(2):262-8

A cluster randomised trial of paramedics within one ambulance service in England over a 12-month period, split into groups using either the i-gel or LMA Supreme or usual practice for all patients with non-traumatic adult OHCA. Primary outcome was study feasibility, including recruitment and protocol adherence. Secondary outcomes included survival to hospital discharge and to 90 days. 184 of 535 paramedics consented, with 615 patients recruited. The LMA Supreme arm was suspended following 'adverse incidents'. No differences were reported in secondary outcomes.

Link to abstract