Upper airway ultrasound and routine measurements to predict difficult intubation
Official title: Assessment Of Difficult Airway Predictors: A Prospective Comparison Of Upper Airway Ultrasound And Conventional Anthropometric Measures
Run by Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi Gulhane Tip Fakultesi · NCT07309978 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This will test whether ultrasound measurements of the tongue and neck can better predict difficult laryngoscopy and intubation in adults having elective surgery.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 99 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Saglik Bilimleri Universitesi Gulhane Tip Fakultesi Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Ankara) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | December 25, 2025 |
| Main results expected | July 25, 2026 |
| Study ends | December 25, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | March 10, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07309978 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 18–99 scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia with ASA I–III who can give informed consent are eligible.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients undergoing emergency surgery, ASA IV–V, pregnant or breastfeeding patients, those with known airway anomalies or prior major neck surgery, or those unable to cooperate are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This prospective observational study will enroll adults undergoing elective surgery who require general anesthesia. Before airway management, clinicians will record upper airway ultrasound measurements such as tongue thickness, anterior neck soft tissue thickness, and hyomental distance alongside standard clinical predictors including Mallampati score, thyromental distance, and neck circumference. The primary outcome is the diagnostic accuracy of ultrasound-based measurements for predicting difficult laryngoscopy and intubation. Findings may inform whether upper airway ultrasound should be integrated into routine pre-anesthetic airway evaluation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve prediction of difficult airways and reduce unexpected intubation problems during anesthesia.
How similar studies have gone: Some prior studies have shown promising results for airway ultrasound measurements, but findings have been variable and the approach is not yet universally adopted.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged 18-99 years * Patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia * ASA Physical Status I-III * Able to provide informed consent * Undergoing preoperative airway evaluation Exclusion Criteria: * \- Emergency surgery cases * Age \<18 years * ASA Physical Status IV-V * Pregnant or breastfeeding patients * Patients with limited cooperation or inability to provide consent * Known anatomical airway anomalies or previous major neck surgery
Where it's running
-
Sağlık Bilimleri Üniversitesi
Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
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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.