Mallampati classification


Mallampati classification

(ma-lam-pot′ē) A four-point scale used to assess the relative ease of oral (endotracheal) intubation of a patient based on the size and position of the tongue relative to the size of the pharyngeal opening. The patient should be assessed in the sitting position, with the neck in neutral position, the mouth maximally opened, and the tongue protruded as far as possible. The four classifications of the scale are: 1.full visibility of the soft palate, uvula, tonsillar pillars, and fauces; 2.visibility of the soft palate and part of the pendant uvula; 3.visibility of the soft palate and only the base of the uvula; and 4.visibility of only the hard palate.