Modified-ramped position: a new position for intubation of obese females. A randomized controlled pilot study

Abstract Background Endotracheal intubation requires optimum positioning of the head and neck. In obese females, the usual ramped position might not provide adequate intubating conditions. We hypothesized that a new position, termed modified-ramped position, during induction of anesthesia would facilitate endotracheal intubation through shifting the breasts away from the laryngoscope and also improve the laryngeal visualization. Methods Sixty obese female patients scheduled for general anesthesia were randomly assigned into either ramped or modified-ramped position during induction of anesthesia. In the ramped position (n=30), the patient’s head and shoulders were elevated to achieve alignment of the sternal notch and the external auditory meatus; while in the modified-ramped position (n=30), the patient’s shoulders were elevated using a special pillow, and the head was extended to the widest possible range. Our primary outcome was the incidence of failed laryngoscopic insertion in the oral cavity (the need for patient repositioning). Other outcomes included time till vocal cord visualization, time till successful endotracheal intubation, difficulty of the mask ventilation, and Cormack-Lehane grade for laryngeal view. Results Fourteen patients (47%) in the ramped group required repositioning to facilitate introduction of the laryngoscope in the oral cavity, in comparison to one patient (3%) in the modified-ramped position (p<0.001). Modified-ramped position showed a lower incidence of difficult mask ventilation, shorter time for glottic visualization, and shorter time for endotracheal tube insertion compared to the ramped position. The Cormack-Lehane grade was better in the modified-ramped position. Conclusion Modified-ramped position provided better intubating conditions, improved the laryngeal view, and eliminated the need for repositioning of obese female patients during insertion of the laryngoscope compared to the ramped position.