i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

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.

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.

Piegeler T, Roessler B, Goliasch G, Fischer H, Schlaepfer M, Lang S, Ruetzler K. Resuscitation 2016 May;102:70-4

Randomised human cadaver study comparing Laryngeal Tube, EasyTube, LMA Classic, i-gel, ETI and BVM effect on protection against regurgitation and aspiration during CPR. Five minutes of CPR was administered according to 2010 European Resuscitation Council Guidelines. Aspiration was detected in two out of five cadavers with i-gel, while none were recorded when using ETI. Study provides experimental evidence that ETI offers superior protection during CPR.

Link to abstract

Ohchi F, Komasawa N, Imagawa K, Okamoto K, Minami T. J Anesth. 2015 Dec;29(6):887-92

15 novice doctors and 17 with >2 years experience were asked to insert each airway device into a manikin in random order. This was done in a windowless room with all the lights on and again with the lights switched off. Insertion time, insertion success, and participant's own perception of ease of use were all recorded. Ventilation success was lower in both groups when using the ProSeal and cLMA in the dark. Insertion time for these devices was longer in the dark, an effect that was also seen in both groups. Both ProSeal and cLMA were rated as more difficult to use in the dark compared with light conditions and with other devices. These results are thought to be due to the difference in design between these airways and the others used in the study, which are stiffer and anatomically shaped.

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.