i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

L'Hermite J, Dubout E, Bouvet S, Bracoud LH, Cuvillon P, Coussaye JE, Ripart J. Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2017 Jul;34(7):417-424

Comparison of the incidence of sore throat in 546 patients following use of LMA Unique, LMA Supreme and the i-gel. Primary outcome was incidence 24 hours postoperatively. Authors concluded that recordings were not significantly different between the three devices.

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Kus A, Gok CN, Hosten T, Gurkan Y, Solak M, Toker K. Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2014 May;31(5):280-4

In this double-blind study, the scenario was made more difficult by using a cervical collar. Primary aim was to compare leak pressures between devices, with success rate, insertion and fibreoptic view other parameters measured. First attempt success and leak pressure was higher with LMA Supreme. Both devices proved effective, and differences may not be clinically significant.

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Sanuki T, Uda R, Sugioka S, Daigo E, Son H, Akatsuka M, Kotani J. Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2011 Aug;28(8):597-9

20 adult patients scheduled for oral surgery were ventilated using the i-gel®. Leak pressure, ventilation score and fibreoptic view were measured with the patient’s head and neck in neutral position, extended position, flexion and rotated to the right. Leak pressure was higher during flexion, lower during extension and comparable to neutral position during rotation. Ventilation score was significantly worse during flexion. Fibreoptic view was not affected by head and neck position. The authors recommend that the i-gel® is not used in cases where head and neck flexion is likely, but they state that it is otherwise suitable for surgery where the head is moved.

Link to abstract.

Bamgbade OA, Macnab WR, Khalaf WM. Eur J Anaesthesiol 2008; 25(10): 865-866

This letter reported that first time insertion with i-gel® was achieved in <5 seconds in 290/300 patients. Three patients with difficult airway underwent successful fibreoptic endotracheal intubation through i-gel® and all patients underwent adequate pressure mode ventilation with airway pressures of 10-30cm H2O initially and spontaneous breathing subsequently. In addition, lubricated gastric tubes were easily inserted through the gastric channel at the first attempt in all 80 cases where this was performed. The authors concluded that ‘i-gel® is very suitable for peri-operative airway management, positive pressure ventilation and weaning from ventilation. It is also useful as an intubation aid and has a potential role in airway management during resuscitation.'

Link to abstract.