Evaluating the use of ultrasound for assessing difficult airways

Ultrasound of the Anterior Neck Tissues, as a New Tool in the Evaluation of Difficult Airway.

University of Ioannina · NCT06701253

This study is testing whether using ultrasound can help doctors better predict and manage difficult airways during surgeries that require general anesthesia.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment500 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 99 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Ioannina (other)
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Ioannina, Epirus)
Trial IDNCT06701253 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the effectiveness of point of care ultrasound (POCUS) in evaluating difficult airways during elective surgeries requiring general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation. It focuses on measuring specific ultrasound parameters of the anterior neck to predict challenges in bag and mask ventilation and laryngoscopy. The study is being conducted at the University Hospital of Ioannina and seeks to enhance the understanding of ultrasound as a tool in airway management. By exploring this new application, the research aims to improve patient safety and outcomes in anesthesia.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old undergoing elective surgeries that require general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation.

Not a fit: Patients undergoing obstetric surgeries, those who are pregnant, or individuals with prior neck surgeries or cervical radiation history may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved prediction and management of difficult airways, enhancing patient safety during anesthesia.

How similar studies have performed: While there are few studies on the use of POCUS for airway evaluation, this approach is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: age\>18, elective surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation

Exclusion Criteria:

* obstetric surgeries,
* pregnancy,
* non elective surgeries,
* patients with previous surgeries involving the anterior surface of the neck (i.e., thyroid surgery),
* patients with history of cervical radiation.

Where this trial is running

Ioannina, Epirus

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.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Airway Management, Point of Care, Ultrasound

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.