Cormack–Lehane classification system explained
The Cormack–Lehane system classifies views obtained by direct laryngoscopy based on the structures seen. It was initially described by R.S. Cormack and J. Lehane in 1984 as a way of simulating potential scenarios that trainee anaesthetists might face.[1]
A modified version that subdivided Grade 2 was initially described in 1998.[2]
Modified Cormack–Lehane classification.[3] | Grade | Description | Approximate frequency | Likelihood of difficult intubation |
|---|
| 1 | | 68–74% | <1% |
| 2a | Partial view of glottis | 21–24% | 4.3–13.4% |
| 2b | Only posterior extremity of glottis seen or only arytenoid cartilages | 3.3–6.5% | 65–67.4% |
| 3 | Only epiglottis seen, none of glottis seen | 1.2–1.6% | 80–87.5% |
| 4 | Neither glottis nor epiglottis seen | very rare | very likely | |
See also
Notes and References
- 10.1111/j.1365-2044.1984.tb08932.x . Cormack . R.S. . Lehane . J. . Difficult tracheal intubation in obstetrics . Anaesthesia . 39 . 11 . 1105–11 . 1984 . 6507827. free .
- 10.1046/j.1365-2044.1998.00605.x . Yentis . S.M. . Lee . D.J. . Evaluation of an improved scoring system for the grading of direct laryngoscopy . Anaesthesia . 53 . 11 . 1041–4 . 1998 . 10023271. 46086405 . free .
- Koh. L. K. D.. Kong. C. E.. Ip-Yam. P. C.. 2002-02-01. The modified Cormack-Lehane score for the grading of direct laryngoscopy: evaluation in the Asian population. Anaesthesia and Intensive Care. 30. 1. 48–51. 0310-057X. 11939440. 10.1177/0310057X0203000109. free.
