External Validation of the MASCAN Score for the Classification of Difficult Mask Ventilation

External Validation of the MASCAN Score for the Classification of Difficult Mask Ventilation

The MASCAN Score is a prospectively developed objective classification for difficult facemask ventilation. This prospective observational study aims to externally validate the MASCAN score in patients undergoing general anaesthesia for surgical procedures and to determine the influence of different approaches and techniques, such as the timing of neuromuscular blocking agents and manual versus controlled facemask ventilation. A secondary aim is to determine the diagnostic value of visual assessments of the capnography curve. Another secondary aim of the study is to compare the assessment of the first attempt success during tracheal intubation between the airway operator and an independent observer.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients who are scheduled for surgery with general anesthesia and require facemask ventilation and tracheal intubation after induction of anesthesia
• Patients aged 18 years or older
• Provided informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding woman
• Required rapid sequence induction or other contraindications for facemask ventilation
• Planned awake tracheal intubation
• No consent given