i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

Fischer H, Hochbrugger E, Fast A, Hager H, Steinlechner B, Koinig H, Eisenburger P, Frantal S, Greif R. Resuscitation 2010; 82(3): 326-31

This study compared the use of the i-gel®, LMA Supreme®, LMA Unique® and LMA ProSeal® supraglottic airways and bag-valve mask ventilation. 267 third-year medical students were given standardised training before using all devices in random order on an airway training manikin. The number of attempts needed to secure the device, time to successful ventilation, tidal volume, ease of use and incidence of gastric inflation were all recorded. After 12 months, participants used the devices again without further training. In both assessments, the i-gel® and the Supreme were the most likely to be inserted successfully on the first attempt. These devices were rated as the easiest to use. The i-gel® and bag-valve mask had the quickest time to successful ventilation, however the rate of gastric inflation was much higher with the bag-valve mask.

Abstract mask

Xue, FS, Wang, Q, Yuan, YJ, Xiong, J, Liao, X. Resuscitation 2010; 81(7): 910

This letter points out some issues with the manikin intubation study carried out by Michalek et al (2010). The study claimed to compare fibreoptic and blind intubations in the i-gel® and ILMA®, however only the blind intubation was fully assessed. It may have been more useful to compare a wider range of intubation aids. The authors warn that endotracheal tubes are often a similar length to the intubating airway, and that removal should be studied. It is stated that the results of the study only apply to manikins, not clinical practice.

Link to abstract.

Michalek, P, Donaldson, W. Resuscitation 2010; 81(7): 911

This article is a response to Xue et al (2010). The authors generally agree that there are limitations to this study. However, the tracheal tubes used were noticeably longer than the body of the i-gel®. Although the results of manikin studies cannot be extrapolated to clinical practice, they are an important part of the testing needed before a product is used on patients.

Link to abstract.

Michalek P, Donaldson W, Graham C, Hinds JD. Resuscitation 2010; 81(1): 74-77

In this study 25 anaesthetists carried out blind and fibreoptic intubations through the ILMA® and i-gel® devices. The study took place with three different airway training manikins. There was no difference in the success rate of fibreoptic intubations between the two airways. During blind intubation, the i-gel® was significantly less successful. The i-gel® is therefore recommended for fibreoptic intubation only.

Link to abstract.

Nolan J P, Soar J, Parr M J A, Perkins G D. Resuscitation 2010; 81(1): 1-4

Focus on the key studies published in Resuscitation in 2009, including cardiac arrest prevention, basic life support and CPR quality

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