i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

Kim H, Lee JY, Lee SY, Park SY, Lee SC, Chung CJ. Korean J Anesthesiol. 2014 Nov;67(5):317-22

100 patients were randomly assigned to either device group, with insertion success rate, leak pressure and postoperative complications among results measured. i-gel demonstrated higher leak pressure, but a longer insertion time.

Link to abstract

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.

Abstract text

Berger M, Corso RM, Piraccini E, Agnoletti VA, Valtancoli E, Gambale G. Anaesth Intensive Care 2011; 39(1): 136

A 36-year-old morbidly obese pregnant woman presented for emergency caesarian was anaesthetised using RSI. To limit insertion attempts an i-gel® was used, successfully inserted at the first attempt and a healthy baby was delivered with no further complication to the mother. Concluded that i-gel® is likely to be the better airway management device when speed is of the essence, compared to other laryngeal masks.

Abstract text

Corso RM, Piraccini E, Agnoletti V, Gambale G. Anaesth Intensive Care 2010; 38(1): 211

This report details the use of an i-gel® to provide an airway for a 63-year-old male with severe subglottic swelling. Two prior attempts at insertion of a gum elastic bougie failed and facemask ventilation was ineffective. A well-known brand of laryngeal mask was inserted, but ventilation was impossible, so it was removed and replaced with an i-gel®. Subsequent intubation through the i-gel® was performed successfully with a flexible fibrescope.

Abstract text