Comparing two methods for intubation in patients with cervical spine injuries

Comparison of Video Stylet to Flexible Bronchoscopy for Intubation of Patients With Potential Cervical Spine Injury

Not applicable Interventional London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's · NCT03992092

This study is testing which method, the C-MAC Video Stylet or Flexible Bronchoscopy, works better for safely intubating patients with neck injuries during surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment50 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorLondon Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's Academic / other
Locations1 site (London, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT03992092 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial compares the effectiveness of the C-MAC Video Stylet and Flexible Bronchoscopy for intubating patients with cervical spine injuries undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery. Patients will be randomly assigned to one of the two groups, and their cervical spine movement during intubation will be recorded using fluoroscopy for analysis. Additionally, the duration of the intubation process will be timed to assess efficiency. The goal is to determine which method minimizes cervical spine movement and improves intubation outcomes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18-80 undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery that requires oral intubation.

Not a fit: Patients with a body mass index over 35 kg/m2, unstable cervical spines, or previous neck surgeries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to safer intubation techniques for patients with cervical spine injuries.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on intubation techniques, this specific comparison of the C-MAC Video Stylet and Flexible Bronchoscopy is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Elective Surgery requiring oral intubation
* undergoing elective non-cardiac surgery
* American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1-3
* age 18-80 years

Exclusion Criteria:

* gastro-esophageal reflux disease
* body mass index \> 35 kg/m2
* possibility of pregnancy
* previous neck surgery
* unstable C-spine
* known or predicted difficult airway.

Where this trial is running

London, Ontario

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 IntubationDifficultIntubation Complicationcervical spine injury
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.