i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

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

Shin W, Cheong Y, Yang H, Nishiyama T. European Journal Of Anaesthesiology 2009; 26: 000-000

167 patients were randomly assigned to device groups. Haemodynamic data, airway leak pressure, leak volume, success rates and postoperative complications were assessed.

Link to abstract.

Janakiraman C, Chethan DB, Wilkes AR, Stacey MR, Goodwin, N. Anaesthesia 2009; 64(6): 674-678

This study compared the performance of i-gel® and cLMA airways in 50 healthy adult patients. The success rate on the first insertion attempt was significantly lower in the i-gel® group. Overall success after two attempts did not show a significant difference, although a change of device size was allowed. Leak pressures and fibreoptic view of the vocal cords were significantly better with the i-gel®, with the two devices producing leak pressures of 20 (i-gel®) and 17cm H2O (cLMA). 14 patients needed a change in i-gel® size.

Link to abstract.

Kannaujia A, Srivastava U, Saraswat N, Mishra A, Kumar A, Saxena S. Indian J Anaesth 2009; 53(1): 52-56

50 patients had the i-gel® inserted for ventilation during surgery. The number of insertion attempts, insertion time, manipulations required for an effective airway and seal pressure were recorded. Gastric tube placement and adverse events were also noted where they occurred. Before removal of the device, stability was tested by measuring the expiratory tidal volume with the patient’s head in standard, rotated, chin lift and no-pillow positions. Success rate was 90% at the first attempt and 100% at the second. Median insertion time was 11 seconds. Insertion depth was increased in four patients and a jaw thrust was required in two more. All gastric tubes were placed successfully. Mild cough or postoperative sore throat was seen in a total of four patients. Seal pressure was approximately 20cm H2O. The i-gel® was also found to be stable during head and neck movement.

Link to abstract.

Uppal V, Fletcher G, Kinsella J. Br J Anaesth 2009; 102(2): 264-8

In this study, published in the BJA, twenty-five patients were given a standard anaesthetic, followed by insertion of an i-gel. The lungs were ventilated at three different pressures and the difference between the inspired and expired tidal volumes used to calculate the leak volume and leak fraction. The i-gel was then removed and replaced with a conventional tracheal tube, for which similar readings were taken. The results were then compared. From the data taken, the authors concluded that, ‘compared with a tracheal tube there is no significant difference in the gas leak when using an i-gel during PCV with moderate airway pressures’.

Link to abstract.