i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

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

I-gel airway for advanced uses: a case of successful utilization of this second-generation supraglottic airway device for controlled ventilation during general anaesthesia in lateral decubitus position

Shiraishi Zapata CJ. Minerva Anestesiol. 2017 Feb;83(2):219-220

Letter to editor reporting the case of successful controlled ventilation in lateral decubitus position on a 39-year-old male. i-gel size 4 chosen after failed tracheal intubation. No evidence of trauma or pharyngeal inflammation.

Link to abstract

A comparison of QTc intervals after laryngoscopic intubation and i-gel insertion during propofol-sevoflurane anaesthesia

Byon HJ, Song J, Shinn HK, Song K, Lee C, Lim H. Minerva Anestesiol. 2016 Sep;82(9):950-6

Patients were randomly assigned to either the i-gel or intubation group and induced using propofol or sevoflurane. Peak QTc interval was lowever in the i-gel group. Authors conclude the i-gel 'may be advantageous' to patients at risk of QTc prolongation.

Link to abstract

Spatial relationship of I-gel and Ambu® AuraOnce on pediatric airway: a randomized comparison based on three dimensional magnetic resonance imaging

Aqil M, Delvi B, Abujamea A, Alzahrani T, Alzahem A, Mansoor S, Aaljazaeri A. Minerva Anestesiol. 2016 Jun 17

Sixty paediatric patients were split between the two groups, with scans of head and neck performed after confirmation of device placement. Both devices 'significantly' reduced the area of glottis opening. i-gel produced greater dilation of upper oesophogeal sphincter. Authors conclude more studies needed to test these results to 'reduce morbidity on pediatric airway'.

Link to abstract

Pre-hospital transient airway management using the I-gel with sustained spontaneous breathing in different emergency situations

Tiesmeier J, Emmerich M. Minerva Anestesiol. 2013 Feb;79(2):212-3

Three case studies where an i-gel® was used in an emergency situation are presented on the back of the authors’ previous knowledge that this SAD has ‘advantageous characteristics’, including quick insertion time, good seal pressures and high success rates. Cases were: a ‘violent’ but sedated male patient; a 69-year-old patient suffering a cerebral seizure; and an unconscious and intoxicated patient found at home. Regurgitation and aspiration were not seen in any case. Authors conclude that, alongside other pre-clinical emergency situations, i-gel® can be used in cases of sustained spontaneous breathing, and ‘could be considered for extended use outside the hospital’.

Link to abstract.

Tracheal compression caused by oversized i-gel® in children

Agnoletti V, Piraccini E, Corso RM, Cittadini A, Maitan S, Della Rocca G, Gambale G. Minerva Anestesiol 2012; 79(1):107-8

Unlike other supraglottic airway devices, paediatric i-gel® does not cause artifacts when used for MRI. The authors of this study found, after evaluation, that the patient weight grading could be an inadequate criteria for i-gel® selection for MRI due to the potential for partial or even complete airway obstruction. This study does not rule out the use of a paediatric i-gel® entirely, merely pointing to the importance of size selection. The authors deduce that further studies in this area should be conducted to substantiate the evidence.

Link to abstract.