VCISpain: protocol for a prospective multicenter observational study to validate a standardized classification tool for tracheal intubation using videolaryngoscopy

Abstract

Background and objective  Videolaryngoscopy have transformed airway management by improving intubation success rates compared to direct laryngoscopy. However, its widespread adoption has been hindered by the lack of standardized classification tools for documentation and communication. This manuscript outlines the rationale and study design of the VCISpain project, which aims to evaluate the interobserver reproducibility of the Video Classification of Intubation (VCI) scale in the context of airway management using videolaryngoscopy in Spain.

Methods  This manuscript presents the planned methodology of the VCISpain study, a prospective, observational, multicenter, open-label study. The study will collect data on tracheal intubations performed in operating rooms, intensive care units, and emergency departments. In each case, two anesthesiologists will independently apply the VCI scale to assess blade type, Percentage of Glottic Opening (POGO), and ease of intubation.

Ethics and registration  The study was approved by the University of Navarra Ethics Committee (2022.079 mod1) and registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT06537531). It is endorsed by the Spanish Society of Anesthesiology, Resuscitation and Pain Therapy (SEDAR) and the European Airway Management Society (EAMS).

Conclusions  VCISpain seeks to establish a standardized classification tool for documenting and communicating findings related to videolaryngoscopy in airway management. By presenting the study rationale and design, this protocol aims to promote transparency, ensure methodological rigor, and encourage broader discussion to refine the study prior to implementation.

Keywords
Airway management; Patient care; Reproducibility of results; Tracheal intubation; Video-assisted techniques and procedures