i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

Kim JG, Kim W, Kang GH, Jang YS, Choi HY, Kim H, Kim M. Clin Exp Emerg Med. 2018 Mar 30;5(1):29-34. 

This prospective randomised crossover study was carried out to evaluate the performance and efficacy of the i-gel blind intubation (IGI) in airway management for pre-hospital trauma patients. Here, two blind intubation techniques were assessed (by 18 paramedics) using two supraglottic airway devices (IGI and LMA Fastrach) and a Macintosh laryngoscope (MCL).

Link to abstract.

Ladny JR, Bielski K, Szarpak L, Cieciel M, Konski R, Smereka J. Am J Emerg Med. 2017 May; 35(5): 786-787

Manikin study to assess effectiveness of blind intubation through the i-gel, LMA Classic and a standard cuffed tracheal tube, performed by 34 nurses in CPR conditions across two scenarios (with and without chest compressions). Primary measure was time to intubation. i-gel recorded a lower median time to intubation and higher, statistically significant, successful insertion rates in both scenarios. Performing compressions doesn't significantly affect time to perform blind intubation in this setting, but reduces the effectiveness of first intubation attempt. i-gel was faster in both scenarios.

Link to abstract.

Holbery-Morgan L, Angel C, Murphy M, Carew J, Douglas F, Murphy R, Hood N, Rechtman A, Scarff C, Simpson N, Stewardson A, Steinfort D, Radford S, Douglas N, Johnson D. Emerg Med Australas. 2017 Feb;29(1):63-68

Lifesavers in Australia who already use pocket masks and BVMs were trained to use the LMA and i-gel on a manikin. Time to effective ventilation was similar between the pocket mask, BVM and i-gel, but longer for LMA. Authors feel there is a limited role for supraglottic airway devices in this scenario.

Link to abstract.

Baratto F, Gabellini G, Paoli A, Boscolo A. Am J Emerg Med. 2017 Jan 26

Report of two cases of attempted suicide by firearm managed with the use of the i-gel O2 Resus Pack. In both patients, laryngoscopy attempts failed before an i-gel was inserted and either fibreoptic-assisted intubation or fibreoptic bronchoscopy were performed. Authors conclude that the i-gel's properties mean the device could easily be used by untrained rescuers and might perform an important role during out-of-hospital emergency.

Link to abstract.

Pejovic NJ, Trevisanuto D, Nankunda JJ, Tylleskar T. Acta Paediatr. 2016 Dec;105(12):1440-1443

After brief training, 25 participants attempted insertion, with success rate and insertion time recorded. i-gel achieved 100% insertion success rate and was more effective than the face mask in establishing PPV.

Link to abstract.