Awake Bedside Assessment of The Airway and Evaluation of Tracheal Intubation With CMAC D-Blade or Video Stylet in Bariatric Surgery

Patients undergoing bariatric surgery often present challenges during intubation due to limited neck mobility, increased soft tissue in the airway, and elevated body mass index (BMI). Predicting difficult intubation in these patients is critical to ensuring safety. The Simplified Airway Risk Index (SARI) by Ganzouri is a validated tool for predicting difficult intubation. It considers factors like neck mobility, Mallampati score, and body weight, which are highly relevant in difficult airway prediction in the bariatric population. The CMAC video laryngoscope is widely used to manage difficult airways. Two commonly used devices are the CMAC D-Blade, designed explicitly for difficult airways, and the CMAC Video stylet, which combines video guidance with a flexible tip. This study will compare the efficacy and safety of these two devices in bariatric patients with an anticipated difficult airway, as identified by the SARI.