i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

Jung YS, Paik H, Min SH, Choo H, Seo M, Bahk JH, Seo JH. Anaesthesia. 2017 Feb;72(2):197-203.

Random allocation of patients into two groups: one with a name-specific verbal command and one using a general term. Time to i-gel removal was quicker in the name group.

Link to abstract.

Shiraishi Zapata CJ. Minerva Anestesiol. 2017 Feb;83(2):219-220

Letter to editor reporting the case of successful controlled ventilation in lateral decubitus position on a 39-year-old male. i-gel size 4 chosen after failed tracheal intubation. No evidence of trauma or pharyngeal inflammation.

Link to abstract

Chapman D. Anaesthesia. 2017 Feb;72(2):263-264.

Response to the letter from Seeley et al. Manufacturer posits that the reason for light anaesthesia and hence air entrainment, may have been caused by the tip of the device not being located in the upper oesophageal opening and the non-inflatable cuff located against the laryngeal framework, meaning the airway and gastric channels would not be isolated from each other. In the event described by the case report, reference to the user guide would suggest reinsertion of the device using a gentle jaw thrust, deep rotation or triple maneouvre to achieve optimum depth of insertion.

Link to abstract.

Seeley JP, Pearson K, Baxter A. Anaesthesia. 2017 Feb;72(2):262-263.

Case report of light anaesthesia in a patient with a size 1.5 i-gel, despite adequate inspired concentration of sevoflurane and optimum positioning of the device by experienced operators. Entrainment was confirmed by capnography. No harm came to the patient. Authors pose the question of whether the gastric port inlet is positioned too anteriorly in paediatric i-gel sizes.

Link to abstract.

Metterlein T, Dintenfelder A, Plank C, Graf B, Roth G. Rev Bras Anestesiol. 2017 Mar - Apr;67(2):166-171

Random assignment of 52 adult patients to different supraglottic devices, from: Laryngeal Tube, LMA, i-gel, LMA Unique, LMA Supreme and Aura-once. After successful ventilation, device positioning was examined to assess glottic opening. Glottic view ranged from 40% for Laryngeal Tube to 90%, with i-gel recording 70%.

Link to abstract.