Could a tape measure around the neck predict a tough airway?

NCT ID NCT01191658

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Recruitment status, easiest to join first

Recruiting now
This trial is taking on new participants right now.
Not yet recruiting
Registered, but not yet taking participants.
By invitation only
Not open to general applications. Only people the study team invites can take part.
Paused
Paused for now. It may or may not start again.
Ongoing
Running, but no longer taking on new participants.
Completed This study
The trial has finished. Results may not be published yet.
Stopped early
Stopped early, before it reached the end. That can be for many reasons, including safety.
Cancelled
Cancelled before anyone took part.

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Not a trial. The treatment could once be requested outside a study, but no longer can.
Approved
The treatment has been approved, so it is available normally rather than through this programme.

When the status isn't known

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First seen Aug 19, 2026 · Last updated Aug 20, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests whether measuring neck circumference can help predict how easy or difficult it will be to insert a breathing tube during surgery. Researchers will compare neck size (using a 43 cm cutoff) and mouth/throat classification against actual intubation difficulty in about 216 adults undergoing general anesthesia. The goal is to see if a simple, quick measurement can flag patients who might need extra airway precautions.

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 neck size proves reliable, doctors could better anticipate intubation challenges and plan safer airway management.
What could go wrong
This is a single-center study with a specific threshold; results may not apply to all patients or settings, and other factors also influence intubation difficulty.

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

Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Participants

216 people

The number who actually took part.

Start date

Aug 2010

Finished

Dec 2010

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Who is studied

adult patients who require tracheal intubation for general anesthesia and surgery

Ages

18 to 80 years

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Accepted

You do not need to have the condition being studied to take part.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1-4 * Receiving general endotracheal anesthesia for surgery Exclusion Criteria: * Limited range of motion of the neck or jaw * Cervical spine injuries * Upper airway pathology * Previous facial trauma, or goiter * Patients receiving regional anesthesia or anesthesia other than general, endotracheal anesthesia

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As listed by the trial registrant

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Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Charleston Area Medical Center

    Charleston, West Virginia, 25304, United States