Using sevoflurane sedation for easier intubation in patients with difficult airways

Sevoflurane Sedation as an Alternative for Awake Fiberoptic Intubation in Difficult Airway Patients

Not applicable Interventional Tanta University · NCT06601036

This study is testing if using sevoflurane sedation makes it easier and more comfortable for patients with difficult airways to have a fiber optic intubation compared to traditional airway blocks.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment70 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 50 Years
SexAll
SponsorTanta University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Tanta, El-Gharbia)
Trial IDNCT06601036 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to compare patient satisfaction and intubating conditions when using fiber optic intubation under sevoflurane sedation versus traditional airway blocks in patients with difficult airways. Awake fiberoptic intubation (AFOI) is often necessary for patients with anticipated difficult intubation, requiring a calm and cooperative patient. The study will assess how sevoflurane sedation can help achieve the ideal conditions for AFOI while maintaining patient comfort and safety. Participants will receive either sevoflurane or airway blocks to facilitate the intubation process.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 50 with difficult airways, specifically those with Mallampati grade 3 or 4 and limited mouth opening.

Not a fit: Patients with bleeding disorders, uncontrolled systemic diseases, or those who refuse participation may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve the intubation experience and outcomes for patients with difficult airways.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored sedation techniques for intubation, but the specific use of sevoflurane in this context is less common and may provide novel insights.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Age from 18 to 50 years.
* Both sexes.
* American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) physical status I-II.
* Patients with difficult airway (Mallampati grade 3 and 4 with mouth opening less than 5 cm).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patient refusal.
* Patients with bleeding disorders and nasal mass.
* Allergy or intolerance to one of the study medications.
* Patients with uncontrolled systemic diseases.
* patients with gastro-esophageal reflex.
* history of nasopharyngeal surgery or drug abuse.

Where this trial is running

Tanta, El-Gharbia

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 SevofluraneSedationAwake Fiberoptic IntubationDifficult Airway
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.