i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

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

Comparison of two supraglottic airway devices: i-gel airway and ProSeal laryngeal mask airway following digital insertion in nonparalyzed anesthetized patients

Luthra A, Chauhan R, Jain A, Bhukal I, Mahajan S, Bala I. Anesth Essays Res. 2019 Oct-Dec;13(4):669-675

This prospective randomized observational study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy of the i-gel as compared to the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) in non-paralysed anaesthetised patients. 40 ASA I-II patients, between 18 and 65 years of age, undergoing elective surgery were randomly allocated to either the i-gel or the PLMA. Observed parameters included insertion time, ease of insertion, number of attempts, failed insertion, airway reaction during insertion, oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP), and gastric insufflation. Additionally, fibreoptic view of the channels of the devices and ease of insertion of Ryle's tube through the gastric drain channel and complications were also assessed. Results showed that both devices had a similar performance in terms of first attempt, overall insertion success rates and insertion times. On the other hand, the Ryle's tube passage was easier through the i-gel. Full view of the vocal cords was achieved in 17 patients intubated using the i-gel and 9 using the PLMA. In addition, the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat and hoarseness was higher in the PLMA group. Thus, the i-gel provides superior approach in this type of patient as it is able to achieve a better positioning over the laryngeal framework and oesophagus while allowing an easier passage of the Ryle's tube through its drain channel as compared to the PLMA.

Link to abstract.

Effect of Local Anesthesia and General Anesthesia Using I-gel Laryngeal Mask Airway in Diabetic Patients Undergoing Cataract Surgery: Comparative Study

Amer GF, Abdeldayem OT, Lahloub FMF. Anesth Essays Res 2019 Apr-Jun; 13(2): 209-213

This investigation assessed the use of the i-gel as an alternative to local anaesthesia (LA) in insulin dependents diabetic patients undergoing cataract surgery. 60 diabetic patients were randomly assigned to receive either LA or general anaesthesia (n = 30) in combination with the i-gel (n = 30). Several parameters were monitored including mean arterial blood pressure (MBP), heart rate (HR), as well as blood glucose levels and plasma cortisol levels. Results have shown no significant difference in either blood glucose or cortisol levels in both groups. However, blood glucose level increased in both groups after induction of anaesthesia. In addition, HR and MBP increased in the LA group but not in the i-gel group. In conclusion, these results show that both LA and general anaesthesia using the i-gel are safe and do not produce a marked impact in hemodynamics, blood glucose, or cortisol levels in diabetic patients.

Link to abstract.

Comparison of I-gel versus Endotracheal Tube in Patients Undergoing Elective Cesarean Section: A Prospective Randomized Control Study

Panneer M, Babu S, Murugaiyan P. Anesth Essays Res. 2017 Oct-Dec; 11(4): 930–933 
 
The objective of this study was to compare the hemodynamic disturbances and possible complications caused by the i-gel and ETT in 80 patients (ASA II) undergoing cesarean receiving general anesthesia. A range of parameters was investigated including insertion time, ease of intubation, hemodynamics (insertion and removal) and postoperative complications (sore throat, blood on device, dysphagia, regurgitation, nausea, vomiting, laryngospasm and aspiration). Findings have demonstrated that patients in the ETT group had a higher incidence of difficult intubation, 20% higher mean arterial pressure and heart rate compared to the i-gel group. The ETT group also had a higher incidence of sore throat. Thus, the i-gel constitutes a superior alternative to the ETT in patients undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia.

Link to abstract.

I-gel™ May be the Device of Choice for Controlled Ventilation in Patients with Hemophilia Undergoing Abdominal Laparoscopic Surgery

Sen S, Mitra K, Ganguli S, Mukherji S. Anesth Essays Res. 2018 Jan-Mar;12(1):288-290

Peri-operative management of patients with haemophilia involves the risks of excessive bleeding. This is especially true when securing the patient’s airways during anaesthesia with standard instrumentation (e.g. direct laryngoscopy), as this could lead to severe haemorrhage. Therefore, this case study assessed the efficacy of the i-gel in the airway management of a patient with haemophilia undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Link to abstract.

Assessment of suitability of i-gel and laryngeal mask airway-supreme for controlled ventilation in anesthetized paralyzed patients: A prospective randomized trial

Radhika KS, Sripriya R, Ravishankar M, Hemanth Kumar VR, Jaya V, Parthasarathy S. Anesth Essays Res. 2016;10(1):88-93

Patients were split into i-gel and LMA Supreme groups, with insertion attempts, time and any manoeuvres needed forming outcomes, along with peak inspiratory pressure (PIP).  LMA-S was inserted successfully in more patients, but with no significant difference in PIP.

Link to abstract