METHODS : One-hundred and twenty adult patients, ASA grade I or II, undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia were divided randomly into 2 equal groups (60 each). Group A: ILMA of appropriate size was placed and after ensuring adequate ventilation, PVC endotracheal tube was inserted blindly through ILMA. Group B: I-gel of appropriate size was inserted and after ensuring adequate ventilation, PVC endotracheal tube was inserted blindly through I-gel. The time and the total success rate of blind intubation in two groups in three attempts were recorded.

RESULTS : In Group A, the total success rate in three attempts was 95% ( 57 out of 60), while in Group B, it was 72% (43 out of 60). The first attempt success rate was 81.66% (49/60) in Group A, while it was 55% (35/60) in Group B. The time to intubate was higher in ILMA than I-gel. The hemodynamic response to device insertion and the incidence of complications (sore throat, trauma and hoarseness of voice) showed no significant difference between both groups

CONCLUSIONS : Both the supraglottic airway devices ( SADs ), ILMA and I-gel provided adequate ventilation in all patients. However blind intubation through ILMA was signficantely more successful as compared to blind intubation through I-gel. High success rate of blind intubation through ILMA make it an attractive alternative to conventional laryngoscopy for intubation in appropriate clinical settings