Clinical Research Directory

Title of Study: Anesthesiologists' Learning Curves for Ultrasound Assessment of Difficult Airway

This study aims to determine how many supervised practice attempts anesthesia trainees need to become competent in using ultrasound to assess the airway. Airway ultrasound may help clinicians identify anatomical features associated with a difficult airway, which can make breathing support or placement of a breathing tube more challenging during anesthesia. However, the amount of training needed to perform these ultrasound measurements accurately has not been established. Eight anesthesia trainees will receive theoretical instruction and hands-on training before performing ultrasound assessments on 20 healthy adult volunteers. The trainees will measure tongue thickness and the distances from the skin to the epiglottis and vocal cords. Their measurements will be compared with those of experienced airway ultrasound experts to assess accuracy and determine how many attempts are needed to achieve competency. A follow-up assessment three months later will evaluate whether the trainees retain their skills. The study hypothesis is that anesthesia trainees can achieve competency in airway ultrasound assessment after a limited number of supervised practice attempts and retain these skills over time. The findings may help establish evidence-based training requirements for airway ultrasound assessment.

Prediction of Difficult Mask Ventilation in Obese Population Undergoing Emergency Surgery

The current study is an observational, prospective study. It will be conducted in the emergency operative theatre, Alfayoum University, Alfayoum, Egypt. Identification of difficult mask ventilation among obese population is crucial specially in emergency settings with high risk of aspiration pneumonia or hypoxemia. No clinical predicrors were identified up till now. While the patient lies supine with the head in neutral position, Ultrasound guided (high frequency- depth adjusted at 3-4 cm) will be placed in the in submental region to measure the distance between skin to hyoid bone . Hyoid bone will be identified as a hyperechoic shadow below the mentum. Three measures will be taken and the average will be calculated. All candidates will sign informed consent pre-scanning and retain their right to withdraw at any time without compromising their medical care. Exclusion criteria will include elective operations, patient refual, previous neck surgery, prescence of surgical emphysema, emergency cesarean section and submental abcess.