i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

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

Supraglottic airway devices as a strategy for unassisted tracheal intubation: A network meta-analysis

Ahn E, Choi G, Kang H, Baek C, Jung Y, Woo Y, Bang S. PLoS One. 2018 Nov 5;13(11):e0206804

This network meta-analysis (with a mixed-treatment comparison method to combine direct and indirect comparisons) compared the effectiveness of seven different SADs as a strategy for unassisted tracheal intubation. The primary outcome was the overall success rate of intubation by intention to treat (ITT) and the secondary outcomes included the overall tracheal intubation success rate (per protocol - PP) and the success rate of tracheal intubation at first attempt by ITT and PP.

Link to abstract.

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 i-gel and other supraglottic airways in adult manikin studies: systematic review and meta-analysis

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.

I-gel Versus LMA-Fastrach Supraglottic Airway for Flexible Bronchoscope-Guided Tracheal Intubation Using a Parker (GlideRite) Endotracheal Tube: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Moore A, Gregoire-Bertrand F, Massicotte N, Gauthier A, Lallo A, Ruel M, Todorov A, Girard F. Anesth Analg. 2015 Aug;121(2):430-6

120 patients were randomly assigned to i-gel or LMA Fastrach groups, with tracheal intubation and mask insertion success rate measured. Use of i-gel as a conduit in this scenario is equivalent to Fastrach, however gives shorter intubation times and a better visualisation of the glottic opening.

Link to abstract 

Comparison of supraglottic devices i-gel(®) and LMA Fastrach(®) as conduit for endotracheal intubation

Kapoor S, Jethava DD, Gupta P, Jethava D, Kumar A. Indian J Anaesth. 2014 Jul;58(4):397-402.

Two randomised groups were assigned either device and after insertion, blind tracheal intubation was attempted. Success at first attempt and overall intubation success rates were assessed. Authors concluded that the i-gel is 'a better device' for rescue ventilation.

Link to abstract.