Ultrasound-guided Thyroid Cartilage Plane Block for Awake Intubation

Ultrasound-guided Thyroid Cartilage Plane Block for Patients With Awake Tracheal Intubation: a Randomized Controlled Trial

This study is testing if using an ultrasound-guided injection to numb the thyroid cartilage can make awake tracheal intubation easier and safer for patients compared to traditional methods.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 60 (estimated)
• Ages: 18 Years to 65 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Nanjing, Nanjing)
• Trial ID: NCT06065475 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness and safety of a superior laryngeal nerve block using ultrasound-guided injection of local anesthetic on the thyroid cartilage in patients undergoing elective awake tracheal intubation. Participants are randomly assigned to either the experimental group, receiving the Thyroid Cartilage Plane Block, or a control group, receiving traditional airway surface anesthesia. The study aims to compare the outcomes of both methods in terms of ease of performance and patient safety during the intubation process.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 65 scheduled for awake tracheal intubation with difficult airway characteristics.

Not a fit: Patients with cardiovascular dysfunction, neurological disorders, or allergies to local anesthetics may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enhance the safety and comfort of patients undergoing difficult airway management during intubation.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific technique using ultrasound guidance for thyroid cartilage plane block is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Patients scheduled for awake tracheal intubation surgery 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 65 years.
4. Gender is not restricted.
5. ASA classification of I or II.

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 this trial is running

Nanjing, Nanjing

• Nanjing First Hospital — Nanjing, Nanjing, China (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Tao Shan

Conditions: Superior Laryngeal Nerve Block, Thyroid Cartilage, Superior Laryngeal Nerve, Difficult airway, ultrasound, Awake tracheal intubation