i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

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.

Ostermayer DG, Gausche-Hill M. Prehosp Emerg Care. 2014 Jan-Mar;18(1):106-15

Review discussing the history, developments, benefits and complications of supraglottic devices in prehospital care. Devices covered included Laryngeal Mask Airway, Air-Q and i-gel.

Link to abstract

Schmidbauer W, Genzwürker H, Ahlers O, Proquitte H, Kerner T. Br J Anaesth 2012; 109(3): 454-8

This, the first data collection study on the extent of oesophageal insufflation when oropharyngeal leak pressures are exceeded, used the i-gel® inserted into cadavers. Compared alongside LMA Supreme®, LMA ProSeal®, LTS-DTM, LTS IITM and Combitube®, performance was measured in a surgically-closed trachea to replicate total airway obstruction. Volume of insufflation from controlled ventilation was measured at inspirator pressures of 20, 40 and 60 mbar, with the former producing no insufflation with any device.

Abstract link

Castle N, Pillay Y, Spencer N. Anaesthesia 2011; 66(11): 983-8

Six different supraglottic airway devices, including i-gel®, were tested by 58 paramedics for speed and ease of insertion in a manikin, whilst wearing either a standard uniform or chemical, biological, radiation, nuclear-person protective equipment (CBRN-PPE). During the latter test, i-gel® was the fastest of the six to insert with a mean insertion time of 19 seconds. Overall, the wearing of CBRN-PPE has a detrimental effect on insertion time of supraglottic airways.

Link to abstract.

Ruetzler K, Gruber C, Nabecker S, Wohlfarth P, Priemayr A, Frass M, Kimberger O, Sessler D, Roessler B. Resuscitation 2011; 82(8): 1060-1063

After an audio-visual lecture and practical demonstration, 40 voluntary emergency medical technicians with limited airway management experience were recruited to perform airway management with six devices, including the i-gel®, during sustained compressions on manikins. Hands-off time was significantly longer when inserting a traditional endotracheal tube, whereas the supraglottic devices were inserted successfully on each occasion.

Link to abstract.