THE ROLE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TRAINED WITH PRE-MEASURED NUMERICAL DATA IN PREDICTION OF DIFFICULT INTUBATION

Not yet recruiting

• Conditions: Artificial Intelligence (AI); Difficult Intubation

• Registration Number: NCT06961240
• Lead Sponsor: Kutahya Health Sciences University

Brief Summary

This study aims to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based model to predict difficult intubation in patients undergoing general anesthesia. Since patients are apneic during intubation without spontaneous breathing efforts, minimizing apnea duration is critical. Traditional methods for predicting difficult intubation rely on physical markers such as sternomental distance, thyromental distance, mouth opening, neck extension, Mallampati score, neck circumference, and upper lip bite test. However, performing these assessments quickly and objectively in every patient is challenging. Therefore, utilizing computer-assisted imaging systems and AI techniques may facilitate clinical practice.

In this study, 250 patients presenting to the anesthesia outpatient clinic, who provide informed consent, will be evaluated. Demographic data (age, gender, height, weight, body mass index) will be recorded. Measurements including mouth opening, thyromental distance, sternomental distance, and neck circumference will be performed. Additionally, Mallampati score, neck extension ability, and upper lip bite test results will be noted. Portrait photographs capturing shoulder and upper body anatomy from multiple angles will be taken. During the operation, the Cormack-Lehane score observed by anesthesiologists with at least three years of experience during intubation will also be recorded.

The collected data will consist of both tabular (structured) data and visual data. Data preprocessing will involve cleaning missing and outlier values, encoding categorical variables, and normalizing continuous variables. Key anatomical points (e.g., chin tip, thyroid notch, sternum) will be identified using landmark detection algorithms on the images.

Of the dataset, 200 patients will be used for model training and 50 patients for testing. Machine learning methods (Random Forest, Support Vector Machines, Gradient Boosting) and deep learning methods (Artificial Neural Networks, Convolutional Neural Networks) will be employed. Tabular and image data will first be modeled separately and then combined using ensemble methods. Model performance will be evaluated with metrics including accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F1 score, and AUC-ROC.

The models will be developed using Python programming language with libraries such as TensorFlow, Scikit-learn, and NumPy, supported by GPU-based computing.

This study is unique in its aim to compare classical physical examination-based predictions with AI-based predictions, enhancing the accuracy of difficult intubation forecasts. Strengthening clinical decision-making processes and improving patient safety are among the primary goals.

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients aged 18 years and older Patients undergoing general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation Patients providing informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients under 18 years of age Pregnant patients Emergency surgery cases Patients with a history of facial surgeries that alter appearance Patients with prior head and neck surgeries Patients not receiving general anesthesia The results of this study aim to contribute to the development of a reliable, generalizable AI model for early prediction of difficult airways in clinical settings.

Detailed Description

Not available

Study Timeline

• Status Verified: 2025-04
• Study First Submitted: 2025-04-29
• Study First Submitted QC: 2025-04-29
• Last Update Submitted: 2025-04-29
• Study Start: 2025-05-02
• Study First Posted: 2025-05-07
• Last Update Posted: 2025-05-07
• Primary Completion: 2025-10-30
• Study Completion: 2025-12-30

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: NOT_YET_RECRUITING
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 250

Inclusion Criteria

• Patients aged 18 years or older
• Patients scheduled to undergo general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation
• Patients who provide written informed consent
• Patients able to undergo preoperative clinical evaluation and imaging without contraindications

Exclusion Criteria

• Patients younger than 18 years of age
• Pregnant patients
• Emergency surgery cases
• Patients with a history of facial surgery altering facial anatomy
• Patients with a history of head and neck surgery
• Patients not receiving general anesthesia

Study & Design

• Study Type: OBSERVATIONAL
• Study Design: Not specified

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Accuracy of AI-Based Prediction for Difficult Intubation	Within 24 hours preoperatively and intraoperatively	The primary outcome is the accuracy of the AI-Based Difficult Airway Prediction Model in identifying patients with difficult intubation, compared to the Cormack-Lehane grading obtained during direct laryngoscopy by experienced anesthesiologists. The model's predictive performance will be evaluated using metrics such as sensitivity, specificity, and AUC-ROC.