i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

Sood S, Saxena A, Thakur A, Chahar S. Saudi J Anaesth. 2019 Oct-Dec; 13(4): 290–294.

This prospective randomised study aimed to compare the performance of two supraglottic airway devices (SADs) the i-gel and LMA Fastrach when performing fiberoptic-guided intubation in adult paralysed patients. 60 patients were randomly assigned to either i-gel or LMA Fastrach. Several parameters were assessed, which included ease and time taken for fiberoptic-guided intubation (primary outcome), time taken for successful SAD placement, ease of insertion, ease and time of removal, as well as haemodynamic parameters and postoperative complication (secondary outcomes). Findings demonstrated that the Fastrach had a faster tracheal intubation and higher airway sealing pressure. On the other hand, the ETT was easier to insert when using the i-gel as compared to the Fastrach. Haemodynamic parameters were comparable between both devices. In addition, post removal complications were observed in either devices. Therefore, both devices are comparable in terms of performance and efficacy facilitating fiberoptic-guided intubation in adult paralysed patients.

Link to abstract.

Prabha R, Raman R, Parvez Khan M, Kaushal D, Siddiqui A, and
Abbas H. Saudi J Anaesth. 2018 Oct-Dec; 12(4): 535–539

This prospective controlled study aimed to examine the clinical performance of the i-gel in both obese and non-obese patients. 32 patients were divided into two groups, group O (BMI >30 kg/m2) and group C (BMI between 18.5 and 29.9 kg/m2). A range of parameters were evaluated including OLP (primary outcome), leak fraction, time taken to insert the device, ease of insertion, fiberoptic glottis view and adverse events. Results have demonstrated that OLP was marginally higher in Group O in comparison to group C (but not statistically different). In regards to the other parameters and side effects, these were comparable in both groups. Therefore, the i-gel provides an effective tool for the airway management of both obese and non-obese patients.

Link to abstract

Dhanger S, Adinarayanan S, Vinayagam S, Kumar MP. Saudi J Anaesth. 2015 Apr-Jun;9(2):217-9

Report of the successful use of i-gel guided fibreoptic intubation.

Link to abstract

Suhitharan T, Teoh WH. Saudi J Anaesth. 2013 Oct;7(4):436-41

Ransomised control trial comparing LMA Supreme with i-gel in 70 patients, with leak pressure, insertion success rates and leak fractions among the outcomes measured. While no post-operative complications were reported with i-gel, three patients suffered mild sore throat and one had mucosal injury in the Supreme group. i-gel had a higher but 'clinically inconsequential' leak fraction.

Link to abstract

Helmy AM, Atef HM, El-Taher EM, Henidak AM. Saudi J Anaesth 2010; 4(3): 131-136

This study compared the cLMA and i-gel® in 80 healthy adult patients. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups for insertion of one of the devices during surgery. Haemodynamic data, oxygen saturation and end-tidal CO2 were similar in both groups. Leak pressure was significantly higher with the i-gel®, which also had a shorter insertion time. Postoperative complications were generally comparable, however there was a higher incidence of nausea and vomiting in the cLMA group due to gastric insufflation.

Abstract text