i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

Smith P, Bailey CR. Anaesthesia. 2015 Jan;70(1):84-92

Review of 62 published articles, including 14 randomised controlled trials, comparing i-gel with other supraglottic airway devices in children. Leak pressure was found to be the most common primary outcome. Authors conclude i-gel is 'at least equivalent' to other devices, and may give higher leak pressures and improved fibreoptic view of the glottis.

Link to abstract

Kim H, Lee JY, Lee SY, Park SY, Lee SC, Chung CJ. Korean J Anesthesiol. 2014 Nov;67(5):317-22

100 patients were randomly assigned to either device group, with insertion success rate, leak pressure and postoperative complications among results measured. i-gel demonstrated higher leak pressure, but a longer insertion time.

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Weil G, Matysiak J, Guye ML, Eghiaian A, Bourgain JL. Ann Fr Anesth Reanim. 2014 Sep-Oct;33(9-10):508-13

Using LMA Unique as a reference, cost efficacy comparisons were made against i-gel, Ambu AuraOnce and LMA Supreme. Conclusions suggested that latest generation devices are still expensive despite low rate of complications.

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Joly N, Poulin LP, Tanoubi I, Drolet P, Donati F, St-Pierre P. Can J Anaesth. 2014 Sep;61(9):794-800

100 patients were randomised between the two device groups, with 92% inserted successfully in both. i-gel recorded a shorter insertion time and higher incidence of complete vocal chord visualisation.

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Kus A, Gok CN, Hosten T, Gurkan Y, Solak M, Toker K. Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2014 May;31(5):280-4

In this double-blind study, the scenario was made more difficult by using a cervical collar. Primary aim was to compare leak pressures between devices, with success rate, insertion and fibreoptic view other parameters measured. First attempt success and leak pressure was higher with LMA Supreme. Both devices proved effective, and differences may not be clinically significant.

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