C-MAC VS Clinical Observation

During orotracheal intubation failure in securing an airway can result in serious oxygenation problems.

Beside the classic laryngoscopes and fibreoptic scopes, devices with high-resolution video cameras placed in the tip of the devices, were developed and attained in daily routines. Studies and case reports reveal them to be superior in both normal and difficult intubation, especially improving the first-attempt success rate.

Latest advancements of the Bonfils fiberscope resulted in the C-MAC VS, which combines rigid and semi-rigid abilities to a rigid video stylet with a flexible tip. Because of its front positioned high-resolution camera resulting in an indirect visualization, it may also have the benefits of video laryngoscopes.

Very little data is available on larger numbers of use and the investigators do not know about rare side effects and complications with the use of the device, such as esophageal intubations. Due to its direct view and positioning on vocal cord level, the investigators expect a similar or even lower rate of endotracheal intubation, using the C-MAC VS.

The investigators therefore plan to analyze the use of the C-MAC VS regarding its efficiency and safety during airway management in everyday clinical practice. This should provide the evidence about safe use, possible risk factors, rare complications and adverse events, as well as the preferred clinical airway situations to use the C-MAC VS.

Orotracheal intubation is a core competence in anesthesia and emergency medicine. Failure in securing an airway can result in hypoxemia, aspiration, neurologic damage, cardiovascular complications, and death. Difficult anatomic structures, upper airway abnormalities, or airway trauma bear the risk of failed intubation inability to ventilate the lungs that furthermore results in oxygenation failure.

Literature tells that the rate of unexpected difficult intubations ranges from 5 to 10%, mostly corresponding to a Cormack/Lehane grade (C\&L) 3 or 4.

Beside the classic laryngoscopes and fibreoptic scopes, devices with high-resolution video cameras placed in the tip of the devices, were developed and attained in daily routines. Studies and case reports reveal them to be superior in both normal and difficult intubation, especially improving the first-attempt success rate.

Rigid fiber-optic scopes may reduce intubation time and their use may result in a higher success rate. A study with 216 Patients using the Bonfils fiberscope for airway management, showed a success rate up to 98,4. Looking at the complication rates, upper airway trauma in normal patients after direct laryngoscopy with a Macintosh blade has been reported up to 6.9% and can be reduced by using a video laryngoscope.

Latest advancements of the Bonfils fiberscope resulted in the C-MAC VS, which combines rigid and semi-rigid abilities to a rigid video stylet with a flexible tip. Because of its front positioned high-resolution camera resulting in an indirect visualization, it may also have the benefits of video laryngoscopes.

But data about this new tool is rare, because this device is recently licensed. Very little data is available on larger numbers of use and the investigators do not know about rare side effects and complications with the use of the device, such as esophageal intubations.

Due to its direct view and positioning on vocal cord level, the investigators expect a similar or even lower rate of endotracheal intubation using the C-MAC VS.

The investigators therefore plan to analyze the use of the C-MAC VS regarding its efficiency and safety during airway management in everyday clinical practice. This prospective observational trial should provide the evidence about safe use, possible risk factors, rare complications and adverse events, as well as the preferred clinical airway situations to use the C-MAC VS.

The investigators will check for given general research consent. All airway management procedures and the recorded data are daily clinical routine. No experimental intervention will take place, there is no change in usual clinical practice and therefore patient's safety will not be altered by participating in the study.

The study will end when the tracheal tube is placed properly and the airway is secured. On the day after surgery the investigators will visit the patient as usually after each anesthesia to obtain follow up data. In case of a complication the patient will be followed up until the problem is cured or solved.

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients for elective and emergency surgery who have at least one predictor for difficult airway management, which are: Mallampati score \>2, mouth opening \<4cm, thyromental distance \<6cm, head \& neck movements \<90°, short neck, reduced reclination.
* Patients who signed general research consent in Switzerland.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients under the age of 18 years
* Personnel at the study site not available of not sufficient ted in the device.
* Expected impossible mask ventilation
* High risk of aspiration (requiring rapid sequence induction intubation)
* Intracranial surgery
* Limited knowledge of German language or refusing general consent.