i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

Baker P, Webber J. Anaesth Intensive Care 2011; 39(4): 675-7

Reported failure of an i-gel® and an Ambu® AuraOnceTM to ventilate a drowning victim due to changes in lung physiology following inhalation of water requiring ventilation pressures up to 40cmH20. Authors say that supraglottic airways, thanks to rapid insertion, are recommended for resuscitation as they facilitate the continuation of cardiac compression, however low leak pressures may cause inadequate ventilation and entrainment of air into the stomach of drowning victims.

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Asai T. Masui. 2011; 60(7): 850-2

Three cases of successful ventilation using the size three i-gel® on female patients with a mix of predicted and unpredicted difficult intubation, and where both facemask ventilation and tracheal intubation were difficult. Author concludes that i-gel ‘has a potential role as a rescue device, by allowing ventilation and tracheal intubation in patients with difficult airways.’

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