A Study of the Head Elevation in the Tracheal Intubation

Objectives:This study explored the amount of head elevation that enables a good field of view to be obtained during laryngeal exposure, and it was conducted by comparing the relation between indices that predict intubation difficulty and the amount of head elevation. Methods:Laryngeal exposure was performed by using head elevation boards (1 cm thick) to elevate the head, and we measured the height at which a Grade 1 field of view was obtained according to Cormack and Lehane grade. Based on the results, the cases were divided into groups ranging from a 0-cm group to a 6-cm group, and in addition to sex, age, body height, body weight, and BMI. Results:The amount of head elevation in the 3-cm group, and then the 2-cm group, was significantly greater than in the other 5 groups, but the difference between the 3-cm group and the 2-cm group was not significant. Conclusions:Significant correlations were observed between sex, age, body height, body weight, and Ratio of the Cervical extension. It was concluded that 3 cm or 2 cm is a suitable amount of head elevation in order to achieve a good field of view when performing laryngeal exposure together with tracheal intubation.