Validate the MASCAN score for predicting difficult facemask ventilation

External Validation of the MASCAN Score for the Classification of Difficult Mask Ventilation

Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf · NCT07114549

This study will see if the MASCAN score can predict difficult facemask ventilation in adults having general anesthesia and whether factors like timing of muscle relaxants, manual versus controlled ventilation, and capnography readings change its accuracy.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment926 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorUniversitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf (other)
Locations1 site (Hamburg, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg)
Trial IDNCT07114549 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective observational external validation of the MASCAN score in adults undergoing general anesthesia who require facemask ventilation and tracheal intubation. Study staff will record MASCAN components and real-world ventilation practices, including timing of neuromuscular blocking agents and whether mask ventilation is manual or controlled. Investigators will also collect visual assessments of the capnography waveform and compare first-attempt intubation success as reported by the airway operator versus an independent observer. No experimental interventions are applied; the study observes routine clinical care at a single center.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adults (≥18) scheduled for surgery with general anesthesia who will require facemask ventilation and tracheal intubation and can give informed consent are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People who are pregnant or breastfeeding, require rapid-sequence induction, are planned for awake intubation, or do not require facemask ventilation are unlikely to benefit from the findings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the MASCAN score could help clinicians anticipate difficult facemask ventilation and prepare appropriate airway management to reduce complications.

How similar studies have performed: The MASCAN score was developed prospectively but has limited external validation so far, while other airway-prediction tools have shown mixed success.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients who are scheduled for surgery with general anesthesia and require facemask ventilation and tracheal intubation after induction of anesthesia
* Patients aged 18 years or older
* Provided informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Pregnant or breastfeeding woman
* Required rapid sequence induction or other contraindications for facemask ventilation
* Planned awake tracheal intubation
* No consent given

Where this trial is running

Hamburg, Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg

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: Airway Management, General Anesthesia, Mask Ventilation, Airway management, 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.