Predicting Difficult Intubation

An evaluation of the levering laryngoscope

“…A number of anatomical features are associated with predictable intubation difficulties [5. 101 and a variety of tests have been described to aid prediction of difficult laryngoscopy [6,7,11,121. It is accepted, however, that intubation difficulties can occur unexpectedly [I].…”

Predicting difficult intubation

“…Biebuyck's editorial on difficult intubation [5] confirms my suspicion that the way forward in prediction is by combining tests and specifically mentions Mallampati and thyromental distance, the combination of which has also been shown to be useful in an independent American study [2].…”

Phonation affects Mallampati class

“…Against such a background some of the issues raised can be considered. Professor Aitkenhead in his Editorial on awareness (Anaesthesia 1990; 45: 35 [1][2] indicates that patients have complained of either pain or an 'unnecessary' general anaesthetic when a block was not perceived as totally successful. Such problems stem from a number of causes, notably total rcliance on somatic nerve block to cover all the discomforts that may arise during surgery.…”