Acromioaxillo suprasternal notch index as new screening test to predict difficult laryngoscopy in pediatric population: A case series

Abstract

Prediction of pediatric difficult endotracheal intubation is a challenge for anesthesiologists. Pediatric patient possess unique characteristics in relation with difficult intubation, especially their uncooperative nature which makes conventional anatomical criteria is not applicable. Acromioaxillo suprasternal notch index (AASI) is a new test that is more objective and does not require full cooperation from the patient. Twenty patients aged 1–6 years old underwent surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation were included in this case series. AASI seems positively correlated with Cormack–Lehane grade. It is a novel but useful examination to predict the difficulty of laryngoscopic visualization during tracheal intubation in children aged 1–6 years old. More samples and further study are needed to prove the correlation in this study.