i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

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

Comparative study of fiber-optic guided tracheal intubation through intubating laryngeal mask airway LMA FastrachTM and i-gel in adult paralyzed patients

Sood S, Saxena A, Thakur A, Chahar S. Saudi J Anaesth. 2019 Oct-Dec; 13(4): 290–294.

This prospective randomised study aimed to compare the performance of two supraglottic airway devices (SADs) the i-gel and LMA Fastrach when performing fiberoptic-guided intubation in adult paralysed patients. 60 patients were randomly assigned to either i-gel or LMA Fastrach. Several parameters were assessed, which included ease and time taken for fiberoptic-guided intubation (primary outcome), time taken for successful SAD placement, ease of insertion, ease and time of removal, as well as haemodynamic parameters and postoperative complication (secondary outcomes). Findings demonstrated that the Fastrach had a faster tracheal intubation and higher airway sealing pressure. On the other hand, the ETT was easier to insert when using the i-gel as compared to the Fastrach. Haemodynamic parameters were comparable between both devices. In addition, post removal complications were observed in either devices. Therefore, both devices are comparable in terms of performance and efficacy facilitating fiberoptic-guided intubation in adult paralysed patients.

Link to abstract.

Comparison of I-gel for general anesthesia in obese and nonobese patients

Prabha R, Raman R, Parvez Khan M, Kaushal D, Siddiqui A, and
Abbas H. Saudi J Anaesth. 2018 Oct-Dec; 12(4): 535–539

This prospective controlled study aimed to examine the clinical performance of the i-gel in both obese and non-obese patients. 32 patients were divided into two groups, group O (BMI >30 kg/m2) and group C (BMI between 18.5 and 29.9 kg/m2). A range of parameters were evaluated including OLP (primary outcome), leak fraction, time taken to insert the device, ease of insertion, fiberoptic glottis view and adverse events. Results have demonstrated that OLP was marginally higher in Group O in comparison to group C (but not statistically different). In regards to the other parameters and side effects, these were comparable in both groups. Therefore, the i-gel provides an effective tool for the airway management of both obese and non-obese patients.

Link to abstract

Comparison of the clinical performances of Air-Qsp and i-Gel for airway management under general anesthesia with a muscle relaxant

Watanabe A, Edanaga M, Ichinose H, Yamakage M. J Clin Anesth. 2016 Nov;34:223-6

Randomised study comparing insertion attempts, insertion time and postoperative complications (among other parameters recorded) on 37 adult patients after concerns that the i-gel sometimes fails to fit or ventilate sufficiently in Japanese patients. Results showed that two patients in the Air-Qsp group failed, compared to one in the i-gel group.

Link to abstract

A comparison of QTc intervals after laryngoscopic intubation and i-gel insertion during propofol-sevoflurane anaesthesia

Byon HJ, Song J, Shinn HK, Song K, Lee C, Lim H. Minerva Anestesiol. 2016 Sep;82(9):950-6

Patients were randomly assigned to either the i-gel or intubation group and induced using propofol or sevoflurane. Peak QTc interval was lowever in the i-gel group. Authors conclude the i-gel 'may be advantageous' to patients at risk of QTc prolongation.

Link to abstract

Supraglottic Airway Devices and Effect on Voice-Comparison of LMA Proseal and i-gel: Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial

Vaidya S, Kundra P, Gopalakrishnan S, Parida P, Yuvaraj K, Mohan PM. J Voice. 2016 Sep;30(5):631-7

90 adult patients were randomly assigned to LMA Proseal and i-gel groups, with voice evaluated using perceptive and acousitc analysis. In both groups voice results deteriorated comparably.

Link to abstract