i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

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.

Landsdalen HE, Berge M, Kristensen F, Guttormsen AB, Søfteland E. Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2017 Jan;61(1):23-30 

An observational study using Tracheal intubation Assisted by Bronchoscopy And Sad during Continuous Oxygenation (TABASCO) method through the i-gel. Easy intubation was secured in all patients with no adverse events recorded.

Link to abstract

Baratto F, Gabellini G, Paoli A, Boscolo A. Am J Emerg Med. 2017 Jan 26

Report of two cases of attempted suicide by firearm managed with the use of the i-gel O2 Resus Pack. In both patients, laryngoscopy attempts failed before an i-gel was inserted and either fibreoptic-assisted intubation or fibreoptic bronchoscopy were performed. Authors conclude that the i-gel's properties mean the device could easily be used by untrained rescuers and might perform an important role during out-of-hospital emergency.

Link to abstract.

Naik L, Bhardwaj N, Sen IM, Sondekoppam RV. Anesthesiol Res Pract. 2016;2016:7318595

Study on 120 patients comparing intubation success through i-gel or ILMA. Overall success rate proved lower with i-gel in this scenario, with no differences in secondary outcomes.

Komasawa N, Nishihara I, Minami T. J Clin Anesth. 2016;28:89-90

In this case of a 13-year-old patient, the i-gel was inserted passed the swollen tonsil to give unventful mechanical ventilation and no postoperative complications or bleeding of the tonsil.

Link to abstract