i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

Holbery-Morgan L, Angel C, Murphy M, Carew J, Douglas F, Murphy R, Hood N, Rechtman A, Scarff C, Simpson N, Stewardson A, Steinfort D, Radford S, Douglas N, Johnson D. Emerg Med Australas. 2017 Feb;29(1):63-68

Lifesavers in Australia who already use pocket masks and BVMs were trained to use the LMA and i-gel on a manikin. Time to effective ventilation was similar between the pocket mask, BVM and i-gel, but longer for LMA. Authors feel there is a limited role for supraglottic airway devices in this scenario.

Link to abstract.

Häske D, Schempf B, Niederberger C, Gaier G. Am J Emerg Med. 2016;34(2):340

Report of two cases where i-gel was successfully used in a prehospital setting on patients with severe head and neck trauma. Authors suggest that, on evidence, i-gel is an 'appropriate primary airway tool'.

Link to abstract

Ohchi F, Komasawa N, Imagawa K, Okamoto K, Minami T. J Anesth. 2015 Dec;29(6):887-92

15 novice doctors and 17 with >2 years experience were asked to insert each airway device into a manikin in random order. This was done in a windowless room with all the lights on and again with the lights switched off. Insertion time, insertion success, and participant's own perception of ease of use were all recorded. Ventilation success was lower in both groups when using the ProSeal and cLMA in the dark. Insertion time for these devices was longer in the dark, an effect that was also seen in both groups. Both ProSeal and cLMA were rated as more difficult to use in the dark compared with light conditions and with other devices. These results are thought to be due to the difference in design between these airways and the others used in the study, which are stiffer and anatomically shaped.

Link to abstract

Leventis C, Chalkias A, Sampanis MA, Foulidou X, Xanthos T. Eur J Emerg Med. 2014 Oct;21(5):371-3

72 briefly-trained paramedics were allocated to intubate a manikin. Success rate was higher, and insertion time 'significantly' shorter for the i-gel group.

Link to abstract

Lockey D, Lossius HM. Resuscitation 2014; 85(7): 849-50

An editorial discussing three studies published in the same journal issue covering different aspects of emergency advanced airway management, both out of and inside the hospital.

Link to abstract