Simple head lift may improve breathing tube placement in tough cases

NCT ID NCT04716218

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tested whether raising a patient's head and upper body (back-up head elevated position) helps doctors see the vocal cords better when using a video-laryngoscope. Sixty-four adults scheduled for surgery under general anesthesia participated. All wore a stiff neck collar to simulate a difficult airway. The researchers measured how much of the vocal cords could be seen and how quickly the breathing tube was placed.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to
If successful, this simple positioning technique could make intubation easier and safer for patients with limited neck movement.
What could go wrong
This is a small, completed study with simulated difficult airways, not real patients. Real-world results may differ, and the technique may not help in all cases.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine

    Seoul, South Korea

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