i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

Gupta Richa, Gupta Ruchi, Wadhawan S, Bhadoria P. J Anaesth Clin Pharmacol 2012; 28(3): 397–398

Report of i-gel® (size 2.5) used as a conduit for intubation on a nine-year-old girl scheduled for post-burn contracture with limited neck extension. Spontaneous ventilation and depth of anaesthesia were maintained, even after removal of the i-gel®. Authors conclude that fibreoptic ventilation through i-gel® is a ‘highly successful technique’.

Link to abstract.

Abukawa Y, Hiroki K, Ozaki M. J Anesth. 2012; 26(3): 357- 61.

This study investigated the use of paediatric i-gel® by residents on a total of 70 children of ASA score I-II undergoing surgery, split into three groups. Group 1: size 1.5; group 2: size 2; group 3: size 2.5. Seven characteristics were evaluated, including ease of i-gel® and gastric tube insertion, leak pressure and hypoxia rate. Overall insertion success rate and first-attempt success rate were 99% and 94% respectively, with gastric tube instertions easy in all cases. Results show that the i-gel® is a safe and effective device for use by residents with limited experience of paediatric airway devices. The authors warn that special attention should be given when using size 1.5 that the airway is protected.

Link to abstract.

Lee JR, Kim MS, Kim JT, Byon HJ, Park YH, Kim HS, Kim CS. Anaesthesia 2012; 67(6): 606-611

99 children underwent genereal anaesthesia randomly via either i-gel® or cLMA. Leak pressure, ease of insertion, time taken to insert, fibreoptic examination and complications were all measured. There was no significant difference in leak pressure, however the i-gel® displayed a shorter insertion time and improved glottic view.

Link to abstract.

Sahin A, Tüfek A, Cingü AK, Caça I, Tokgöz O, Balsak S. Pediatr Anesth 2012; 22(8): 772-775

47 children due for eye surgery were administered with sevoflurane or desflurane randomly for anaesthesia. Intraocular pressure was then measured prior to i-gel® insertion, at two and five minutes after insertion, and immediately after removal. Sustained pressure decrease present during procedure, but no significant difference between pre- and post-operative pressure.

Link to abstract.

Fukuhara A, Okutani R, Oda Y. J Anesth. 2012; 27(1): 1-6

A prospective, randomised and controlled test of 134 children, aged three months to 15 years old, undergoing general anaesthesia were inserted with either i-gel® size 1.5-3 or ProSealTM equivalent to gauge insertion performance. Outcome variables included leak pressure, ease of insertion, success rate and fibreoptic view. Most outcomes were very similar, however fibreoptic view was significantly better with i-gel®.

Link to abstract.