Improving predictions for difficult airway management

Enhancing Difficult Laryngoscopy Prediction: A Prospective Study on A Mixed Scoring System With Ultrasound and Traditional Metrics

Observational American University of Beirut Medical Center · NCT06815952

This study is testing a new scoring system that uses both traditional checks and ultrasound images to better predict if adults will have a hard time with their airway during anesthesia.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment1100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorAmerican University of Beirut Medical Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Beirut)
Trial IDNCT06815952 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to create a comprehensive scoring system that combines traditional clinical assessments and ultrasound measurements to accurately predict difficult airway scenarios in adult patients undergoing general anesthesia. By validating this scoring system on a large population sample, the research seeks to enhance the reliability of airway assessments, which are crucial for avoiding complications during intubation. Data will be collected preoperatively, including various traditional metrics and ultrasound measurements, to develop a more effective predictive tool.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adult patients classified as ASA 1-4 who are scheduled for general anesthesia, whether for emergency or elective procedures.

Not a fit: Patients with a confirmed history of difficult airway or specific conditions such as maxillofacial trauma or cervical spine instability may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce complications related to difficult intubation by providing a more accurate prediction method.

How similar studies have performed: While various scoring systems have been developed for airway assessment, this approach combining ultrasound measurements is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients undergoing general anesthesia
* American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification 1-4
* Emergency or elective cases

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with confirmed history of difficult airway
* Patients with maxillofacial trauma or cervical spine injury or instability
* Pregnant patients
* Patients with a history of head and neck cancer
* Patients with known subglottic stenosis
* Patients requiring a double lumen tube insertion
* Patients with a history of neck radiotherapy

Where this trial is running

Beirut

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 IntubationLaryngoscopyAnesthesia
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.