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.

Saracoglu KT, Demir A, Pehlivan G, Saracoglu A, Eti Z. Anaesthesiol Intensive Ther. 2018 Sep 17

This prospective clinical trial assessed and compared the airway leak pressure and the fiberoptic view of the i-gel in both supine and lateral positions. Moreover, the impact of the i-gel insertion on haemodynamics was also monitored. 100 patients undergoing saturation biopsy were intubated with the i-gel in the supine position, which was subsequently changed to lateral position. Several measurements were taken after intubation and change of position, which included mean arterial pressure, heart rate, peripheral O2 saturation and end-tidal CO2. Furthermore, number of insertion attempts, insertion time, oropharyngeal leak pressure (OLP), and device placement were also recorded. The i-gel was successfully inserted in 88 patients on the first attempt and the insertion time was circa 8 seconds. Moreover, the OLP (27.45 mm Hg supine and 26.04 in lateral position) and fiberoptic view were comparable in both positions. Hence, the i-gel can be safely employed in both supine and lateral positions.

Link to abstract.