Thyroid cartilage plane block vs superior laryngeal nerve space block for awake tracheal intubation
Official title: Thyroid Cartilage Plane Versus Superior Laryngeal Nerve Space for Ultrasound-guided Superior Laryngeal Nerve Block in Awake Tracheal Intubation: a Randomised Non-inferiority Clinical Trial
Run by Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University · NCT07397234 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This trial tests whether a thyroid cartilage plane block works as well as the superior laryngeal nerve space block to help awake tracheal intubation in adults with difficult airways.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 85 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 94 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Nanjing, Jiangsu and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 11, 2026 |
| Main results expected | September 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | September 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | July 28, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07397234 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18–85 years with difficult airway features scheduled for awake tracheal intubation under general anesthesia.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without difficult airway features or those not responding to the block may not experience improved intubation conditions.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized study compares two ultrasound-guided regional anesthesia techniques for awake tracheal intubation: a bilateral thyroid cartilage plane block and a bilateral superior laryngeal nerve space block. Patients with anticipated difficult airways are assigned to either block, with standard sedation, airway topicalization, and fiberoptic-guided intubation. The primary outcome is the proportion of acceptable intubation conditions, with secondary outcomes including performance time, sedation, cough, and comfort. The procedures are performed at a single center, with adult participants undergoing general anesthesia for airway management.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the thyroid cartilage plane block could provide an effective alternative that simplifies technique or improves intubation conditions for difficult-airway patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous approaches to ultrasound-guided laryngeal blocks have shown promise, but direct head-to-head comparison in awake tracheal intubation is limited.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Patients scheduled for awake tracheal intubation under general anesthesia. 2. Patients with difficult airways (e.g., limited cervical spine mobility, full stomach, partial airway obstruction, craniofacial deformities or trauma, micrognathia, mouth opening \<3cm, Mallampati III or IV classification) posing challenges for mask ventilation or intubation. 3. Age between 18 and 85 years old. 4. Gender is not restricted. 5. ASA classification of I - III. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Cardiovascular dysfunction or arterial aneurysms. 2. Mental or neurological disorders or concomitant arterial aneurysms. 3. Infection at the puncture site. 4. Allergy to local anesthetics. 5. Continuous use of antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications preoperatively. 6. Hoarseness or coughing while drinking water. 7. Bronchial asthma. 8. Participation in other clinical trials within the previous 3 months before enrollment 9.r current participation in other clinical trials.
Where it's running
-
Nanjing First Hospital
Nanjing, China Recruiting -
Nanjing First Hospital
Nanjing, Jiangsu, China Completed
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tao Shan — Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University
- Study coordinator: Tao Shan
- Email: 858727933@qq.com
- Phone: +8618852095135
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.