Two-hand face-mask hold (C-E vs V-E) during general anesthesia

Effectiveness of Facial Mask Non-Invasive Ventilation in Adults Under General Anesthesia: Two-Hand C-E vs V-E Techniques. A Double-Blind Randomized Trial

NA · Universidad de Antioquia · NCT07179432

This will test whether the two-hand C-E or V-E face-mask hold helps adults under general anesthesia breathe more effectively.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment206 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversidad de Antioquia (other)
Locations2 sites (Medellín, Antioquia and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT07179432 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

On the day of elective surgery, after the patient is asleep under general anesthesia, the clinician will use one of two two-hand mask-holding techniques (C-E or V-E) for a short period. Investigators will record how well the patient is ventilated, measure end-tidal carbon dioxide, and collect the clinician's rating of ease and comfort using each technique. No other aspects of the planned surgery or recovery will be changed by participation. The trial is being conducted at Universidad de Antioquia–affiliated clinical sites in Medellín, Colombia.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults over 18 scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia who consent and do not have predictors of difficult mask ventilation or need supplemental oxygen are appropriate candidates.

Not a fit: People with predicted difficult airways, obstructive sleep apnea, a beard, ASA class IV or higher, oxygen saturation below 92% on admission, or anyone requiring supplemental oxygen are excluded and unlikely to benefit from this study's findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If one technique works better, it could make mask ventilation safer and easier during anesthesia and emergency airway care, potentially reducing airway-related problems.

How similar studies have performed: Previous comparisons of mask-holding techniques have been performed but show mixed results, so direct head-to-head trials like this are still needed.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Adult patients over 18 years old
* Scheduled for elective surgery
* Require general anesthesia
* Consent to participate in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of predictors of difficult ventilation: presence of a beard, --obstructive sleep apnea/hypopnea syndrome
* Anticipated difficult airway
* Classified as ASA IV or higher
* Oxygen saturation less than 92% upon admission
* Requirement for supplemental oxygen

Where this trial is running

Medellín, Antioquia and 1 other locations

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: General Anesthetics, ventilation, mask ventilation

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.