i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

Jeon WJ, Cho SY, Baek SJ, Kim KH. Korean J Anesthesiol. 2012; 63(6): 510-4

Adult patients undergoing gynaecological laparoscopy were split into two groups of 30 and randomly assigned to either PLMA or i-gel®. Insertion time and number of attempts were recorded. After successful insertion in all patients in both groups, on first attempt, airway leak pressure was also measured. No significant difference in insertion time or leak pressure. Authors conclude that i-gel® is a reasonable alternative to PLMA in this scenario. 

Abstract text

Theiler L, Gutzmann M, Kleine-Brueggeney M, Urwyler N, Kaempfen B, Greif R. Br J Anaesth 2012; 109(6): 990-995

Over a period of 24 months, 2049 uses of the i-gel® were measured across five independent hospitals in Switzerland to evaluate insertion success rates, leak pressures, adverse events, and risk factors for failure. Patients’ mean age was 47 years. The authors concluded that the i-gel® is a reliable device, failing in less than 5% of patients and providing high leak pressures. Serious adverse events are rare.

Abstract text

Mitra S, Das B, Jamil SN. North American Journal Of Medical Sciences 2012; 4(10): 453-7

Investigation on the usefulness of paediatric i-gel® size 2.5 against the PLMA equivalent in 60 randomly assigned patients due for anaesthetised elective surgery. Leak pressure was the primary outcome recorded, with further results for ease of insertion, hemodynamic data and postoperative complications also measured. Most areas offered no significant difference, although i-gel® proved easier to insert and recorded a higher leak pressure. Due to author-defined parameters such as cost-effectiveness, they deduce that i-gel® ‘must be more frequently used’.

Link to abstract.

Schmidbauer W, Genzwürker H, Ahlers O, Proquitte H, Kerner T. Br J Anaesth 2012; 109(3): 454-8

This, the first data collection study on the extent of oesophageal insufflation when oropharyngeal leak pressures are exceeded, used the i-gel® inserted into cadavers. Compared alongside LMA Supreme®, LMA ProSeal®, LTS-DTM, LTS IITM and Combitube®, performance was measured in a surgically-closed trachea to replicate total airway obstruction. Volume of insufflation from controlled ventilation was measured at inspirator pressures of 20, 40 and 60 mbar, with the former producing no insufflation with any device.

Abstract link

Beringer R, Kelly F, Cook T, Nolan J, Hardy R, Simpson T, White M. Anaesthesia 2012; 66(12): 1121-1126

120 children up to 13 years of age were studied using the paediatric i-gel® during general anaesthesia to assess efficacy and usability. Insertion success and number of attempts, ventilation, leak pressure and fibreoptic view were all recorded. Airway manipulations and complications were also noted. In 94% of children the i-gel® was inserted and a clear airway maintained without complication.

Link to abstract.