Clinical Research Directory

Hyperangulated vs. Macintosh Style Blades for Intubation in Obstetric Patients

Cesarean section under general anesthesia requires intubation (insertion of a tube through the mouth into the breathing pipe to support breathing during the surgery). A device called a video laryngoscope is used, which has a smooth, curved, or less curved component called 'a blade' that helps the doctor gently see the voice box and guide the breathing tube safely into place during anesthesia; it is not a sharp tool blade. There are two types of video laryngoscopes blades: a Macintosh- style blade with a gentle curve, approximately 90 degrees) and a hyperangulated blade (with a more pronounced curve). Although video laryngoscopes are safe and both types have been used for around 20 years, it is not known whether one type works better that the other in patients undergoing cesarean delivery under general anesthesia. Because general anesthesia is used in only a small proportion (about 5%) of all cesarean deliveries, research in this area is limited. The main purpose of the study is to assess if a study comparing these two types of blades in the obstetric population is feasible. This is also known as a feasibility study, which aims to test the study plan and determine whether enough participants will join a larger study and accept the study procedures. The results will be used as a guide for a larger study.

Determination of Utility of Intergluteal Cleft as Landmark for Neuraxial Midline in Obstetrics

Our aim is to investigate whether a novel landmark, the groove between the buttocks or the intergluteal cleft, can facilitate the identification of the neuraxial midline in obstetric patients when compared to ultrasound as the reference standard for the determination of this midline

Thoraco Lumbar Vertebral Length and Bupivacaine Dosage in C-Section

Our hypothesis is that the bupivacaine dose determined according to the thoracolumbar vertebral body length (VBL) is more effective in achieving a lower hypotension rate during spinal anesthesia for cesarean delivery than the dose usually adjusted based on height and weight. The VBL measurements were determined from the midpoint of C7 to the tuffier line L4 spinous process. Method: Patients ranging in height from 150 to 170 were randomly assigned to either Group 1 (0.2 mg of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine per cm VBL or Group 2 (height-adjusted dose of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine based on a minimum dose of 0.065 mg/cm according to height) or Group 3 (height-adjusted dose of 0.5% hyperbaric bupivacaine based on a minimum height-adjusted dose of 0.065 mg/cm).