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Airway difficulties caused by improperly applied cricoid pressure
1Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Prince of Wales Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, NT, Hong Kong, China.
The Journal of Emergency Medicine
|February 13, 2001
Summary
Properly applied cricoid pressure aids airway management by preventing regurgitation and improving laryngoscopy view. However, improper application can hinder these procedures, necessitating reassessment and potential release of pressure.
Area of Science:
- Anesthesiology
- Emergency Medicine
- Airway Management
Background:
- Cricoid pressure is a standard technique used during endotracheal intubation.
- Its primary goals are to reduce the risk of gastric aspiration and improve glottic visualization.
Observation:
- The effectiveness of cricoid pressure is highly dependent on correct application.
- Improper application can obstruct the airway, making intubation and ventilation more difficult.
Findings:
- When correctly applied, cricoid pressure can prevent gastric regurgitation and enhance laryngoscopic view.
- Incorrect application can impede both laryngoscopy and mask-ventilation.
Implications:
- Clinicians must be vigilant in assessing the application of cricoid pressure.
- In "cannot intubate" or "cannot mask-ventilate" scenarios, adjusting or releasing cricoid pressure is crucial.