i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

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

Supraglottic airway devices as a strategy for unassisted tracheal intubation: A network meta-analysis

Ahn E, Choi G, Kang H, Baek C, Jung Y, Woo Y, Bang S. PLoS One. 2018 Nov 5;13(11):e0206804

This network meta-analysis (with a mixed-treatment comparison method to combine direct and indirect comparisons) compared the effectiveness of seven different SADs as a strategy for unassisted tracheal intubation. The primary outcome was the overall success rate of intubation by intention to treat (ITT) and the secondary outcomes included the overall tracheal intubation success rate (per protocol - PP) and the success rate of tracheal intubation at first attempt by ITT and PP.

Link to abstract.

Comparison of the i-gel and other supraglottic airways in adult manikin studies: systematic review and meta-analysis

An J, Nam SB, Lee JS, Lee J, Yoo H, Lee HM, Kim MS. Medicine (Baltimore). 2017 Jan;96(1):e5801

Authors conducted a specialised search of study databases for eligible randomised controlled trials, setting device insertion time and first-attempt insertion success rate as their primary outcomes. In the 14 RCTs included, i-gel was faster than the majority of other supraglottic airways, with only three others recording shorter insertion times. Authors concluded that the 'unapparent advantage' of insertion success rate indicated the need for further evidence gathering in this area.

Link to abstract.

Evaluation of the efficacy of six supraglottic devices for airway management in dark conditions: a crossover randomized simulation trial

Ohchi F, Komasawa N, Imagawa K, Okamoto K, Minami T. J Anesth. 2015 Dec;29(6):887-92

15 novice doctors and 17 with >2 years experience were asked to insert each airway device into a manikin in random order. This was done in a windowless room with all the lights on and again with the lights switched off. Insertion time, insertion success, and participant's own perception of ease of use were all recorded. Ventilation success was lower in both groups when using the ProSeal and cLMA in the dark. Insertion time for these devices was longer in the dark, an effect that was also seen in both groups. Both ProSeal and cLMA were rated as more difficult to use in the dark compared with light conditions and with other devices. These results are thought to be due to the difference in design between these airways and the others used in the study, which are stiffer and anatomically shaped.

Link to abstract

Small is the new big: An overview of newer supraglottic airways for children

Goyal R. J Anaesthesiol Clin Pharmacol. 2015 Oct-Dec;31(4):440-9

Overview of currently available options in paediatric sizes, suitability of each, published data and general concerns regarding their use.

Link to abstract

A randomized comparison between the i-gel™ and the air-Q™ supraglottic airways when used by anesthesiology trainees as conduits for tracheal intubation in children

Jagannathan N, Sohn L, Ramsey M, Huang A, Sawardekar A, Sequera-Ramos L, Kromrey L, De Oliveira GS. Can J Anaesth. 2015 Jun;62(6):587-94

96 children aged one month to six years were randomised into either i-gel or air-Q groups, with time to successful tracheal intubation the primary end point. Both served as effective conduit devices in this scenario.

Link to abstract