Comparing airway grading tests for anesthesia intubation

Comprehensive Preoperative Airway Grading

Not applicable Interventional University of Alabama at Birmingham · NCT04864106

This study tests a new way to check the airway before surgery to see if it helps anesthesiologists better predict if intubation will be difficult compared to the usual method.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham Academic / other
Locations1 site (Birmingham, Alabama)
Trial IDNCT04864106 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a comprehensive preoperative airway examination using a 75-degree rigid laryngoscope compared to the traditional Mallampati test. The investigators aim to determine if the new method provides greater sensitivity and specificity in predicting difficult laryngoscopy. By grading the airway and capturing images, the study seeks to assist anesthesiologists in selecting the best approach for securing the airway during surgery. The study includes various traditional airway assessment parameters to provide a comprehensive evaluation.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with ASA status 1-4 who are undergoing procedures requiring anesthesia.

Not a fit: Patients under 18, those unwilling or unable to undergo the comprehensive airway examination, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the accuracy of predicting intubation difficulties, enhancing patient safety during anesthesia.

How similar studies have performed: While traditional airway assessment methods have been widely used, this comprehensive approach using a rigid laryngoscope is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Male or Female
* 18+
* ASA status 1-4

Exclusion Criteria:

* \<18
* patients unwilling to do the comprehensive airway examination
* patients unable to do the comprehensive airway examination

Where this trial is running

Birmingham, Alabama

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Anesthesia Intubation ComplicationAirway Grading
Last reviewed 2026-06-09 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.