Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Establish Whether Hyperangulated Videolaryngoscopy (HAVL) Can be Used to Facilitate Tracheal Intubation Effectively and Safely in Unselected Adult Patients; Describe the Population in Whom HAVL Fails to Facilitate Tracheal Intubation Successfully, Identifying Any Contributory Characteristics.

When you have a general anaesthetic for surgery, a doctor called an anaesthetist often puts a small tube into your windpipe to help you breathe. They use a device with a camera, called a videolaryngoscope, to help them see clearly where to put the tube. The McGrath videolaryngoscope is commonly used. It comes in two shapes; one is a newer design, called the X-blade, that many anaesthetists find helpful, especially if placing the tube might be a bit tricky. We want to explore if there are special benefits to using this newer shape for all patients during surgery, gathering information about how well it works and if there are any situations where it might not be as effective.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

NHS Lothian

Enrolment target

500

Start

01 Jun 2026

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2027

Intubation Skill Intubation Complications Intubation With Uncuffed Endotracheal Tube

What is this study about?

When you have an operation under general anaesthetic, the anaesthetist often needs to put a breathing tube into your windpipe to make sure you breathe well during the procedure. To do this safely and accurately, they use a special tool called a laryngoscope to get a good view inside your throat. Many hospitals now use videolaryngoscopes, which have a tiny camera and screen to help the anaesthetist see exactly what they're doing.

One common type is the McGrath videolaryngoscope. It comes in different designs, including a newer shape called the X-blade. This X-blade design is specifically made to better fit the natural curve of a patient's tongue. While it's currently recommended for patients where placing the breathing tube might be a bit more challenging, some anaesthetists are already choosing to use this newer design for everyone.

This study aims to gather more information about using the McGrath X-blade videolaryngoscope in all adult patients who need a breathing tube for surgery. The main goal is to understand if there are any special advantages to using this specific device more widely, and to identify any situations or patient characteristics where it might not be as effective. This isn't about testing a new device, but rather understanding the best way to use an existing tool to improve patient care.

Key takeaways

Study explores an existing breathing tube placement tool (McGrath X-blade).
Aims to see if using it for all patients offers extra benefits.
Participation involves routine data collection during your anaesthetic.
No new procedures, medications, or extra appointments for participants.
Helps doctors understand best practices for safe breathing tube placement.
You can withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults who are having surgery and will need a breathing tube placed into their windpipe as part of their routine anaesthetic care. This includes patients whether the tube is placed through the nose or mouth, and even if medicines to relax their muscles are (or are not) used.

You cannot take part if you are under 18 years old. Also, if you don't need a breathing tube for your surgery, or if the breathing tube is only needed in an emergency because something else didn't go to plan, you wouldn't be able to join. Patients who are very unwell or unstable, where their urgent medical care must come first, would also not be included.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult (18 years or older)?
Are you having surgery that requires a breathing tube?
Is a breathing tube planned as part of your normal anaesthetic?
Are you in a stable condition where you can provide consent?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you are eligible and agree to take part, the anaesthetist will use the McGrath X-blade videolaryngoscope to help place your breathing tube during your planned surgery, as they normally would. This is not a new device for anaesthetists, and it's already used in many patients. The study simply involves the anaesthetist collecting some routine information about how easily and successfully the tube was placed. There are no extra appointments, medications, or follow-up visits required specifically for this study. It's all part of your standard care during your anaesthetic and surgery. The total duration of your participation is just the time your anaesthetist is placing your breathing tube.

Potential risks and benefits

The potential benefits of participating are that the information gathered will help doctors understand the best and safest ways to use existing equipment for placing breathing tubes, potentially improving care for future patients. Since the anaesthetist would be using this device as part of your standard care anyway, there are no additional risks specific to taking part in this study beyond those already associated with having a general anaesthetic and breathing tube insertion. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

St John's Hospital
Verified postcode
Livingston, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is a breathing tube and why do I need one?

A breathing tube helps you breathe safely when you are under general anaesthetic for surgery. It makes sure oxygen gets to your lungs and helps the anaesthetist control your breathing.

What is a videolaryngoscope?

It's a tool with a small camera and screen that helps the anaesthetist see inside your throat clearly while placing your breathing tube, making the process safer and more precise.

Is the McGrath X-blade a new or experimental device?

No, it's an existing and commonly used tool. This study is looking at how it performs when used in all patients, rather than just those who are expected to be more difficult.

Will taking part change my anaesthetic care?

No, your anaesthetist will provide your care as normal, using equipment they are already familiar with. The study is simply observing and recording routine information.

Will I have more appointments or need extra tests if I join?

No, there are no extra appointments, tests, or follow-up visits required for this study. All data is collected during your routine anaesthetic.

How to find out more

Patrick A Ward

patrick.ward@nhs.scot +44(0)1506523064 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.