Prospective development and validation of an objective classification for difficult facemask ventilation: the MASCAN score

The authors aimed to develop and validate an objective classification system, known as the MASCAN score, for identifying difficult facemask ventilation, a condition that currently lacks a standardized definition. In a study involving 400 patients undergoing tracheal intubation, they identified five key indicators associated with difficult facemask ventilation and created a multivariable logistic regression model that demonstrated high predictive accuracy. The MASCAN score provides a data-driven approach to enhance documentation and management of airway challenges in clinical practice.