i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

Drolet P. Can J Anesth 2009; 56(10): 715-720

This article discusses the gastric channel or drain tube as a safety feature provided in supraglottic airways. Although pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents is a relatively rare event, it can be made rarer with the use of devices that include a gastric channel, particularly if they are inserted using a bougie. i-gel® is discussed.

Link to abstract.

Keijzer Ch, Buitelaar DR, Efthymiou KM, Sramek M, Ten Cate J, Ronday M, Stoppa T, Huitink JM, Schutte PF. Anesth Analg. 2009; 109(4): 1092-1095

This study from the department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care at the Netherlands Cancer Institute - Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Hospital and the VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam compared the rate of postoperative sore throat and neck complaints with i-gel® to a well known brand of laryngeal mask. Patients were interviewed postoperatively at 1hr, 24hrs and 48 hrs. The authors found significantly lower levels of sore throat with i-gel®, as well as lower levels of dysphagia.

Link to abstract.

Fernández Díez A, Prez Villafane A, Bermejo González JC, Marcos Vidal JM. Rev Esp Anestesiol Reanim 2009; 56: 474-478
In this study, 85 patients were randomised into two groups for ventilation via LMA Supreme® or i-gel® supraglottic airways. Ease of insertion, seal pressure, ventilatory parameters and insertion of a gastric tube were all recorded. Both devices were easy to insert, with the SupremeTM and i-gel® being inserted on the first attempt in 95.2 and 86% of cases respectively. Performance was generally comparable.

Abstract text

Biswas S, Mandal S, Mitra T, De Ray S, Chanda R, Sur D.

64 patients were randomly assigned to either the i-gel or ETT group, with venous blood samples taken after induction and 20 minutes following. Authors conclude i-gel is 'a suitable, effective and safe' alternative to ETT in this scenario.

Link to abstract

Heuer JF, Stiller M, Rathgeber J, Eich C, Züchner K, Bauer M, Timmermann A. Anaesthesist 2009; 58(8): 813-820

In this study, the i-gel® was compared to the cLMA, ProSeal and Ambu Aura OnceTM supraglottic airways. 40 patients were assigned to each of the four groups for insertion of one of the airways during surgery. Ease of insertion and insertion time were comparable for all devices. The ProSeal and Aura OnceTM airways had significantly better placement and seal pressures. Airway morbidity did not occur in any of the groups. The cLMA was significantly more likely to cause postoperative sore throat.

Link to abstract