i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

Nolan JP, Ornato JP, Parr MJA, Perkins GD, Soar J. Resuscitation 2013; 84(2): 129-36

A summary of the key papers published across the full spectrum of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

Abstract text

Reiter DA, Strother CG, Weingart SD. Resuscitation 2013; 84(1): 93-7

Emergency Medicine residents split into teams took part in two simulated ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrests using a high fidelity simulator, testing whether use of a laryngeal mask airway improved resuscitation results. Time to airway placement, duration and success rate of airway placement and percent hands off time were among results measured. Authors conclude that use of a laryngeal mask and an IO device led to ‘significantly faster establishment of an airway’

Abstract

Salmen M, Ewy G, Sasson C. BMJ Open 2012; 3: 2(5)

Collating data from 12 observational studies on the topic, covering both guidelines, the aim was to investigate the effect of both methods of treatment on cardiac arrest patients. Authors concluded that there is an ‘association with improved survival’ when cardiocerebral (CCR) protocols or 2005 Guidelines are compared with older versions, and that CCR appears to be a ‘promising resuscitation protocol for Emergency Medical Services’.

Abstract text

Schunk D, Ritzka M, Graf B, Trabold B. Emerg Med J 2012; 0: 1–4

66 healthcare professionals of differing experience in paediatric airway management participated in a study comparing laryngeal masks, i-gel® and laryngeal tube. Separated into three groups and after brief training in each, the participants were asked to place the device. Positioning and time to insert were recorded. Results show that i-gel® is superior to both laryngeal mask and laryngeal tube under these circumstances.

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.