i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

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

Use of the i-gel® laryngeal mask for management of a difficult airway

Emmerich M, Dummler R. Anaesthesist 2008; 57(8): 779-781

In this case report, the i-gel® was used as a conduit for intubation in a patient who was known to have problems with intubation. Direct laryngoscopy was not possible, but ventilation and a good fibreoptic view of the glottis were achieved by using the i-gel®. Intubation via the device was completed successfully using a 6.0mm cuffed endotracheal tube.

Link to abstract.

Aspiration recognition with an i-gel® airway

Liew G, John B, Ahmed S. Anaesthesia 2008; 63(7): 786

A report on a case of a young male patient undergoing surgery where i-gel® helped with the recognition and management of regurgitation. During this case, gastric contents were noticed to be coming out of the gastric channel. No secretions were evident in the airway channel. As regurgitation continued, surgery was paused and the patient’s airway secured following rapid sequence induction. There was no clinical evidence of aspiration and a post-op chest X-ray revealed clear lung fields. It transpired the patient had consumed a fizzy drink a few hours prior to the operation, something he failed to mention during a pre-operative visit.

Link to abstract.

Airway techniques and ventilation strategies

Nolan JP, Soar J. Curr Opin Crit Care 2008; 14(3): 279-286

This review by Jerry Nolan and Jasmeet Soar discusses the advantages and disadvantages of various methods of airway management during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and the role of ventilation during out-of-hospital CPR. In the section on supraglottic airways, i-gel® was one of a number of devices mentioned. It confirmed that the ease of insertion of the i-gel® and its favourable leak pressure make it ‘theoretically very attractive as a resuscitation device for those inexperienced in tracheal intubation’. It also confirmed further study was required.

Link to abstract.

Are supraglottic airways a safe alternative to tracheal intubation for laparoscopic surgery?

Thompson J, O’Neill S. Br J Hosp Med 2008; 69(5): 303

This review article compares supraglottic airways to tracheal intubation for laparoscopic surgery. Evidence gathered so far indicates that supraglottic airways such as the i-gel® produce adequate ventilation and pressures with a reduced risk of complications such as aspiration. The authors state that further investigation should take place to determine whether these devices can be used in obese patients during laparoscopic procedures.

Link to abstract.

 

Effect of chest compressions on the time taken to insert airway devices in a manikin

Gatward JJ, Thomas MJC, Nolan JP, Cook TM. Br J Anaesth 2008; 100(3): 351-356

In this study, 40 volunteer doctors regularly involved in CPR, were timed inserting four different airway devices, including i-gel® and a tracheal tube, with and without stopping chest compressions. Comparison of the speed of insertion of the different devices during CPR allowed ranking of the devices. The i-gel® was inserted approximately 50% faster than the other devices tested.

Link to abstract.