RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Fibrescope vs Videolaryngoscope for Nasotracheal Intubation

Patients needing surgery under general anaesthesia sometimes have a breathing tube put through their nose into their windpipe. This is common for mouth or jaw operations. Traditionally, the tube is put in blindly, which can cause nosebleeds. Newer methods use cameras to guide the tube. One uses a flexible camera (fibrescope) that goes into the nose first, letting doctors see inside. The other uses a video camera on a rigid blade (videolaryngoscope) which goes into the mouth. Both are used now, but we don't know which causes fewer nosebleeds. This study wants to find out if the flexible camera method reduces nosebleeds compared to the videolaryngoscope method.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire NHS Trust

Enrolment target

200

Start

01 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

31 Jan 2027

No Disease

What is this study about?

When you have an operation under general anaesthesia, a breathing tube is often needed to keep your airway open. For some operations, especially those in your mouth, like complex tooth extractions or jaw surgery, this tube is put in through your nose and into your windpipe. This is called nasotracheal intubation.

Historically, this tube was often put into the nose without looking directly inside, which could sometimes lead to difficulties, damage, or nosebleeds. Over time, doctors have started using cameras to help. One method uses a 'fibrescope', which is a thin, flexible camera that goes into your nose first. This allows the doctor to see clearly inside your nasal passages and guide the breathing tube safely into your windpipe. The other method uses a 'videolaryngoscope', which has a camera on a rigid blade that goes into your mouth, helping to guide the tube that was already put through your nose.

Both these camera-guided techniques are used in hospitals today. Doctors want to know which one is better at reducing the risk of nosebleeds or nasal injury. This study aims to compare the flexible fibrescope method with the videolaryngoscope method to see if using the fibrescope leads to fewer or less severe nosebleeds for patients.

Key takeaways

Compares two ways of inserting a breathing tube through the nose.
Aims to find out which method causes fewer nosebleeds.
Specifically for patients having mouth/jaw surgery under general anaesthesia.
Both methods use a camera to guide the tube.
Your participation could help improve patient safety in the future.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for volunteers who are 18 years old or older. You would be considered if you are having an elective (planned) surgery that requires you to have a breathing tube placed through your nose while you are under general anaesthesia.

There are some reasons why you might not be able to take part. For example, if you don't want to join the study or can't provide written permission. Also, if your health condition is considered very serious (classified as ASA 4 or 5), or if your doctors believe you need a special type of intubation (called 'awake intubation'), then this study would not be suitable for you.

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 18 years old or older?
Are you having a planned surgery?
Will you need a breathing tube put through your nose for this surgery?
Can you give written permission to take part?
Are you generally well and not in a very serious health condition (ASA 4 or 5)?
Have your doctors said you need standard intubation, not 'awake intubation'?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, it would involve having one of two methods used for inserting your breathing tube during your planned surgery. You wouldn't need any extra visits or medication specifically for the study. The assessments would happen during your anaesthesia and recovery, focusing on whether you experienced a nosebleed. There is no specific follow-up period mentioned beyond your standard post-surgery care. The total duration of your involvement would be limited to the time of your surgery and immediate recovery.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might help doctors understand the safest way to insert a breathing tube through the nose, potentially reducing the risk of nosebleeds for future patients. You will receive one of the two standard methods for intubation, both of which are common in clinical practice. The main potential risk is that the method you receive might have a slightly higher chance of a nosebleed, though the study aims to identify which method might be better. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

University Hospital Coventry
Verified postcode
Coventry, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a breathing tube?

A breathing tube is a soft, hollow tube placed into your windpipe to help you breathe when you are under general anaesthesia during surgery.

Why would I need a breathing tube through my nose?

For some surgeries, especially those in your mouth or jaw, putting the breathing tube through your nose gives the surgeon more space to work.

What is a nosebleed risk?

Sometimes, when a tube is placed through the nose, it can gently rub against the inside, causing a small amount of bleeding, similar to a normal nosebleed.

Will this study change my surgery?

No, the study only looks at how the breathing tube is put in. Your main surgery will be unaffected.

Can I choose which method I get?

No, the method used will be decided randomly, like flipping a coin, to ensure a fair comparison for the study.

How to find out more

Charles Pairaudeau, FRCA

charles.pairaudeau2@uhcw.nhs.uk +44719121363 Official trial record

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