It has been suggested that the size of the base of the tongue is an important factor determining the degree of difficulty of direct laryngoscopy. A relatively simple grading system which involves preoperative ability to visualize the faucial pillars, soft palate and base of uvula was designed as a means of predicting the degree of difficulty in laryngeal exposure. The system was evaluated in 210 patients. The degree of difficulty in visualizing these three structures was an accurate predictor of difficulty with direct laryngoscopy (p less than 0.001).

This study evaluated new endoscopic OCT technology and demonstrated the feasibility of carrying out UHR OCT imaging in conjunction with standard endoscopy for in vivo real-time imaging of Barrett's esophagus, dysplasia, and esophageal adenocarcinoma. A survey of normal and abnormal upper gastrointestinal tissues was performed using a research prototype OCT system with the highest axial resolution to date, and can serve as a baseline for future investigation.

No abstract