i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

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

A clinical evaluation of the I-gel™ supraglottic airway device in children

Hughes C, Place K, Berg S, Mason D. Pediatr Anaesth 2012; 22(8): 765-71

Over a 12-month period, 154 children were studied using i-gel® sizes ranging from 1 to 2.5 to assess the device based on successful rates of insertion, airway leak pressure, position confirmed by fibreoptic laryngoscopy, gastric tube placement, manipulations required, and complications. First insertion attempt was 93.5%, and complications arose in 20% of cases. Most were minor, however reports suggest there were cases of displacement and flexion compromising airway quality. Authors confirm ‘vigilance’ had to be used to secure the device, and that a decision on whether the higher cost for i-gel® is worth it depends on further studies of this kind.

Link to abstract.

Randomized comparison of the i-gel®, the LMA Supreme®, and the Laryngeal Tube Suction-D using clinical and fibreoptic assessments in elective patients

Russo SG, Cremer S, Galli T, Eich C, Bräuer A, Crozier TA, Bauer M, Strack M. BMC Anesthesiol 2012; 12: 18

Three groups of 40 elective patients each were assigned to i-gel®, LMA Supreme® and Laryngeal Tube Suction-D for a prospective, randomised and comparative study of position (fibre optic) and clinical performance data during surgery. Speed of insertion and success rates, leak pressure, dynamic airway compliance, and signs of postoperative airway morbidity were recorded, with i-gel® registering a 95% insertion success rate and the highest airway compliance. In conclusion, all devices were considered suitable for ventilation in elective surgery.

Abstract text