i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

A comprehensive list of all known published clinical evidence on the device

Cadaver study of oesophageal insufflation with supraglottic airway devices during positive pressure ventilation in an obstructed airway

Schmidbauer W, Genzwürker H, Ahlers O, Proquitte H, Kerner T. Br J Anaesth 2012; 109(3): 454-8

This, the first data collection study on the extent of oesophageal insufflation when oropharyngeal leak pressures are exceeded, used the i-gel® inserted into cadavers. Compared alongside LMA Supreme®, LMA ProSeal®, LTS-DTM, LTS IITM and Combitube®, performance was measured in a surgically-closed trachea to replicate total airway obstruction. Volume of insufflation from controlled ventilation was measured at inspirator pressures of 20, 40 and 60 mbar, with the former producing no insufflation with any device.

Abstract link

 

A randomized comparison of the i-gel and the ProSeal laryngeal mask airway in pediatric patients: performance and fiberoptic findings

Fukuhara A, Okutani R, Oda Y. J Anesth. 2012; 27(1): 1-6

A prospective, randomised and controlled test of 134 children, aged three months to 15 years old, undergoing general anaesthesia were inserted with either i-gel® size 1.5-3 or ProSealTM equivalent to gauge insertion performance. Outcome variables included leak pressure, ease of insertion, success rate and fibreoptic view. Most outcomes were very similar, however fibreoptic view was significantly better with i-gel®.

Link to abstract.

Similar oropharyngeal leak pressures during anaesthesia with i-gel®, LMA-ProSeal® and LMA-Supreme® Laryngeal Masks

Van Zundert TC, Brimacombe JR. Acta Anaesthesiol Belg. 2012; 63(1): 35-41

Random allocation of 150 patients to either i-gel®, LMA ProSeal® or LMA Supreme® to compare, primarily, oropharyngeal leak pressure and changes in pressure between 30 and 60 minutes after insertion. Results in this case showed that there were no significant differences in leak pressure.

Abstract text

 

 

Insertion of six different supraglottic airway devices whilst wearing chemical, biological, radiation, nuclear-personal protective equipment: a manikin study

Castle N, Pillay Y, Spencer N. Anaesthesia 2011; 66(11): 983-8

Six different supraglottic airway devices, including i-gel®, were tested by 58 paramedics for speed and ease of insertion in a manikin, whilst wearing either a standard uniform or chemical, biological, radiation, nuclear-person protective equipment (CBRN-PPE). During the latter test, i-gel® was the fastest of the six to insert with a mean insertion time of 19 seconds. Overall, the wearing of CBRN-PPE has a detrimental effect on insertion time of supraglottic airways.

Link to abstract.

 

 

 

Supraglottic airway devices: recent advances

Cook T, Howes B. CEACCP 2010; 11 (2): 56-61

This review article looks at the evidence for the efficacy of supraglottic airway devices. The authors use the cLMA as a standard for comparison. The ProSealTM, i-gel®, LMA Supreme® and LTS Mk. IITM are all discussed. Most of the i-gel® literature is positive and shows a high level of successful use. However, more clinical trials need to take place in order to confirm these findings.

Link to abstract.