i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

Ladny JR, Bielski K, Szarpak L, Cieciel M, Konski R, Smereka J. Am J Emerg Med. 2017 May; 35(5): 786-787

Manikin study to assess effectiveness of blind intubation through the i-gel, LMA Classic and a standard cuffed tracheal tube, performed by 34 nurses in CPR conditions across two scenarios (with and without chest compressions). Primary measure was time to intubation. i-gel recorded a lower median time to intubation and higher, statistically significant, successful insertion rates in both scenarios. Performing compressions doesn't significantly affect time to perform blind intubation in this setting, but reduces the effectiveness of first intubation attempt. i-gel was faster in both scenarios.

Link to abstract.

Wojewodzka-Zelezniakowicz M, Majer J. Am J Emerg Med. 2017 Jan 16.

Manikin study to compare the efficacy of ETI performed by 27 nurses using the i-gel as a guide with/without chest compressions. Results showed that in this scenario, nurses were able to perform blind intubation using the i-gel with 'high efficiency'.

Link to abstract.

Melissopoulou T, Stroumpoulis K, Sampanis M A, Vrachnis N, Papadopoulos G, Chalkias A, Xanthos T. Heart Lung. 2014 Mar-Apr; 43(2): 112-6

A group of 45 nurses inserted the i-gel® and ILMA in a manikin with and without continuous chest compressions. ILMA proved more successful than the i-gel®, but continuation of compressions caused higher insertion times in both devices. Authors conclude that nursing staff can use both devices ‘as conduits with comparable success rates, regardless of whether chest compressions are interrupted or not’.

Link to abstract

Larkin CB, d’Agapeyeff A, King BP, Gabbott DA. Resuscitation 2012; 83(6): E141

100 size 4 i-gel® airways were inserted in patients by a mixture of nurses, junior doctors and Resuscitation Officers, either before or after bag valve mask ventilation. 83/100 insertions were considered ‘Easy’ and 82/100 were inserted at the first attempt, with only one attempt resulting in complete failure. Presence of an audible leak and visible chest movement via synchronous and asynchronous ventilation were measured. 99% of users confirmed they would prefer to use i-gel® instead of an oropharyngeal airway. Authors confirm that, as a result of this test, i-gel® is their preferred supraglottic airway device of choice during the initial phase of CPR whilst the Resuscitation Team is summoned.

Link to abstract.