BACKGROUND: Elevation of intubating laryngeal mask airway (ILMA) handle increase the efficacy of the seal by pressing the cuff more firmly into the periglottic tissues and many clinicians apply an upward force to ILMA handle during blind intubation. In this study, we compared the first intubation success rate through ILMA during intubation with or without handle elevation..

METHODS: With informed consent, fifty adult patients of ASA physical status I or II were selected. After insertion of ILMA size 4, optimal ventilation was established by slightly rotating the device in the sagittal plane, using the metal handle, until the least resistance to bag ventilation is achieved. Ventilation grade and fiberoptic bronchoscopic view were evaluated at the proper position. Intubation using ILMA was limited to first attempt regardless of successful tracheal intubation. After intubated tube was removed, ILMA was slightly elevated away from the posterior pharyngeal wall using the metal handle, and ventilation grade with fiberoptic bronchoscopic view were evaluated, then intubation was proceeded. Success rates of both methods on the first attempt were calculated..

RESULTS: Ventilation grade and fiberoptic bronchoscopic view had no significant differences under the intubation using ILMA with or without handle elevation. Success rates of intubation on the first attempt with and without handle elevation were 78% and 82%. Therefore both methods had no significant differences..

CONCLUSIONS: Blind tracheal intubation using ILMA with handle elevation is not necessary to get higher intubation success rates on the first attempt. Finding proper ventilation position and technical experience are required for successful blind tracheal intubation using ILMA.