i-gel® from Intersurgical: clinical evidence listing

Häske D, Schempf B, Niederberger C, Gaier G. Am J Emerg Med. 2016;34(2):340

Report of two cases where i-gel was successfully used in a prehospital setting on patients with severe head and neck trauma. Authors suggest that, on evidence, i-gel is an 'appropriate primary airway tool'.

Link to abstract

Benger J, Coates D, Davies S, Greenwood R, Nolan J, Rhys M, Thomas M, Voss S. Br J Anaesth. 2016;116(2):262-8

A cluster randomised trial of paramedics within one ambulance service in England over a 12-month period, split into groups using either the i-gel or LMA Supreme or usual practice for all patients with non-traumatic adult OHCA. Primary outcome was study feasibility, including recruitment and protocol adherence. Secondary outcomes included survival to hospital discharge and to 90 days. 184 of 535 paramedics consented, with 615 patients recruited. The LMA Supreme arm was suspended following 'adverse incidents'. No differences were reported in secondary outcomes.

Link to abstract

Ohchi F, Komasawa N, Imagawa K, Okamoto K, Minami T. J Anesth. 2015 Dec;29(6):887-92

15 novice doctors and 17 with >2 years experience were asked to insert each airway device into a manikin in random order. This was done in a windowless room with all the lights on and again with the lights switched off. Insertion time, insertion success, and participant's own perception of ease of use were all recorded. Ventilation success was lower in both groups when using the ProSeal and cLMA in the dark. Insertion time for these devices was longer in the dark, an effect that was also seen in both groups. Both ProSeal and cLMA were rated as more difficult to use in the dark compared with light conditions and with other devices. These results are thought to be due to the difference in design between these airways and the others used in the study, which are stiffer and anatomically shaped.

Link to abstract

Gupta B, Gupta S, Hijam B, Shende P, Rewari V. J Emerg Trauma Shock. 2015 Oct-Dec;8(4):188-92

Insertion of i-gel, ProSeal and LMA Classic were studied in prone position. Time to insertion, ease of insertion, bronchoscopic view an insertion score were compared. i-gel was the quickest and easiest to insert.

Link to abstract

Bernhard M, Benger JR. Curr Opin Crit Care. 2015 Jun;21(3):183-7

An evaluation of latest scientific evidence regarding airway management during in- and out-of-hospital CPR.

Link to abstract