Prediction of Difficult Intubation using Bedside Sonographic Airway measurements in Elective Surgical patients

AIMS & OBJECTIVES: To study the predictability of difficult intubation (defined as CL3&CL4 grade in direct laryngoscopic view) using ultrasound airway measurements. 1. Hyomental distance, 2. Pre epiglottic space, 3. Anterior soft tissue at the level of vocal cords. METHODOLOGY: Study Design: Prospective, observational study. Study Population: 100 Patients. Duration of study: 6 months, INCLUSION CRITERIA: • Age: 18 years to 80 yrs. • ASA: I, II. • Surgery: Elective. • Who have given valid informed consent. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: • Lack of written informed consent. • H/O seizures and any neurological deficit. • Abnormal dentition, absent teeth. • Head and neck pathology. • Restricted mouth opening. • Facial deformities (congenital or post traumatic). • Emergency surgery. MATERIALS: • Ultrasound machine with B mode 2 dimensional with high frequency linear probe 10-14 mhz. • Monitors-ECG, NIBP, SPO2, EtCO2. STUDY OUTCOME MEASURES: To study the predictability of difficult intubation (defined as CL3 & CL4 grade in direct laryngoscopic view) using ultrasound airway measurements. Hyomental distance, Pre epiglottic space, Anterior soft tissue at the level of vocal cords. Feasibility of routine use of ultrasound in airway assessment. Enhancing safety during intubation in a tertiary care institution. Probability of usage of ultrasound for quick airway assessment. CONCLUSION: Bedside sonographic airway measurements of Pre epiglottic space, Hyomental distance and Anterior soft tissue distance, helps in prediction of difficult intubation in elective surgical patients. Ultrasound can be routinely used for airway assessment and prediction of difficulty in intubation, thereby enhancing the preparedness and safety during intubation