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.

New single use supraglottic airway device with non-inflatable cuff and gastric tube channel

Siddiqui AS, Ahmed J, Siddiqui SZ, Haider S, Raza SA. J Coll Physicians Surg Pak. 2012; 22(7): 419-23

An experimental study using i-gel® on 100 female patients undergoing elective gynaecologic surgery was performance-measured on ease of insertion, time to insert, peak airway pressure and leak pressure. A gastric tube was placed in each patient. Pharyngolaryngeal morbidities were also recorded. In 92% of patients, i-gel® was inserted successfully first time and there were no instances of blood on the device post-procedure. Authors confirm the i-gel® is a simple and easy to use device.

Abstract text

Tracheal intubation through i-gel® conduit in a child with post-burn contracture

Gupta Richa, Gupta Ruchi, Wadhawan S, Bhadoria P. J Anaesth Clin Pharmacol 2012; 28(3): 397–398

Report of i-gel® (size 2.5) used as a conduit for intubation on a nine-year-old girl scheduled for post-burn contracture with limited neck extension. Spontaneous ventilation and depth of anaesthesia were maintained, even after removal of the i-gel®. Authors conclude that fibreoptic ventilation through i-gel® is a ‘highly successful technique’.

Link to abstract.

 

General anesthesia in a case of right-sided aortic arch with Kommerell’s diverticulum diagnosed on preoperative examination

Nakano S, Uda R, Nakajima O, Yamamoto N, Akatsuka M. Masui 2012; 61(7): 765-8

Case of the use of i-gel as preferred airway device and vehicle for tracheal intubation in a 59-year-old male with known Kommerell’s diverticulum, scheduled for repair of a tibial fracture under general anaesthesia. The i-gel® resulted in an uneventful operation with both controlled and spontaneous respiration, and the authors’ conclude that i-gel® is a useful device in such specific cases.

Abstract text

Initial experience of the i-gel® supraglottic airway by the residents in pediatric patients

Abukawa Y, Hiroki K, Ozaki M. J Anesth. 2012; 26(3): 357- 61.

This study investigated the use of paediatric i-gel® by residents on a total of 70 children of ASA score I-II undergoing surgery, split into three groups. Group 1: size 1.5; group 2: size 2; group 3: size 2.5. Seven characteristics were evaluated, including ease of i-gel® and gastric tube insertion, leak pressure and hypoxia rate. Overall insertion success rate and first-attempt success rate were 99% and 94% respectively, with gastric tube instertions easy in all cases. Results show that the i-gel® is a safe and effective device for use by residents with limited experience of paediatric airway devices. The authors warn that special attention should be given when using size 1.5 that the airway is protected.

Link to abstract.