i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

Halgawi A, Massicotte N, Lallo A, Gauthier A, Boudreault D, Ruel M, Girard F. Anesth Analg. 2012; 114(1): 152-156

160 patients were randomised for blind intubation via i-gel® or LMA Fastrach®. First attempt and overall success rates were recorded and time to intubation was measured.

Link to abstract.

Agnoletti V, Piraccini E, Corso RM, Cittadini A, Maitan S, Della Rocca G, Gambale G. Minerva Anestesiol 2012; 79(1):107-8

Unlike other supraglottic airway devices, paediatric i-gel® does not cause artifacts when used for MRI. The authors of this study found, after evaluation, that the patient weight grading could be an inadequate criteria for i-gel® selection for MRI due to the potential for partial or even complete airway obstruction. This study does not rule out the use of a paediatric i-gel® entirely, merely pointing to the importance of size selection. The authors deduce that further studies in this area should be conducted to substantiate the evidence.

Link to abstract.

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.

Ruetzler K, Gruber C, Nabecker S, Wohlfarth P, Priemayr A, Frass M, Kimberger O, Sessler D, Roessler B. Resuscitation 2011; 82(8): 1060-1063

After an audio-visual lecture and practical demonstration, 40 voluntary emergency medical technicians with limited airway management experience were recruited to perform airway management with six devices, including the i-gel®, during sustained compressions on manikins. Hands-off time was significantly longer when inserting a traditional endotracheal tube, whereas the supraglottic devices were inserted successfully on each occasion.

Link to abstract.

Sanuki T, Uda R, Sugioka S, Daigo E, Son H, Akatsuka M, Kotani J. Eur J Anaesthesiol. 2011 Aug;28(8):597-9

20 adult patients scheduled for oral surgery were ventilated using the i-gel®. Leak pressure, ventilation score and fibreoptic view were measured with the patient’s head and neck in neutral position, extended position, flexion and rotated to the right. Leak pressure was higher during flexion, lower during extension and comparable to neutral position during rotation. Ventilation score was significantly worse during flexion. Fibreoptic view was not affected by head and neck position. The authors recommend that the i-gel® is not used in cases where head and neck flexion is likely, but they state that it is otherwise suitable for surgery where the head is moved.

Link to abstract.