i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

Emmerich M, Dummler R. Anaesthesist 2008; 57(8): 779-781

In this case report, the i-gel® was used as a conduit for intubation in a patient who was known to have problems with intubation. Direct laryngoscopy was not possible, but ventilation and a good fibreoptic view of the glottis were achieved by using the i-gel®. Intubation via the device was completed successfully using a 6.0mm cuffed endotracheal tube.

Link to abstract.

Liew G, John B, Ahmed S. Anaesthesia 2008; 63(7): 786

A report on a case of a young male patient undergoing surgery where i-gel® helped with the recognition and management of regurgitation. During this case, gastric contents were noticed to be coming out of the gastric channel. No secretions were evident in the airway channel. As regurgitation continued, surgery was paused and the patient’s airway secured following rapid sequence induction. There was no clinical evidence of aspiration and a post-op chest X-ray revealed clear lung fields. It transpired the patient had consumed a fizzy drink a few hours prior to the operation, something he failed to mention during a pre-operative visit.

Link to abstract.

Thompson J, O’Neill S. Br J Hosp Med 2008; 69(5): 303

This review article compares supraglottic airways to tracheal intubation for laparoscopic surgery. Evidence gathered so far indicates that supraglottic airways such as the i-gel® produce adequate ventilation and pressures with a reduced risk of complications such as aspiration. The authors state that further investigation should take place to determine whether these devices can be used in obese patients during laparoscopic procedures.

Link to abstract.

Gatward JJ, Thomas MJC, Nolan JP, Cook TM. Br J Anaesth 2008; 100(3): 351-356

In this study, 40 volunteer doctors regularly involved in CPR, were timed inserting four different airway devices, including i-gel® and a tracheal tube, with and without stopping chest compressions. Comparison of the speed of insertion of the different devices during CPR allowed ranking of the devices. The i-gel® was inserted approximately 50% faster than the other devices tested.

Link to abstract.

Theron AD, Loyden C. Anaesthesia 2008; 63(4): 441-442

This article describes a post-operative complication after i-gel® use. The patient was successfully ventilated with a size four i-gel®, which was in line with the recommendation for the patient’s weight (85kg). After surgery, the patient reported numbness in the lower lip. An examination shows swelling and an ulcer on the inside of the lip. There are two possible explanations for this injury – the patient’s lip may have been caught in the tape used to secure the i-gel® or it may have been caught in between the i-gel® and the patient’s teeth. The authors warn that this could occur with any airway device, but that extra care should be taken with the i-gel® due to the bulkier design.

Link to abstract.