Cricoid pressure: ritual or effective measure?
- Author:
Nivan LOGANATHAN
1
;
Eugene Hern Choon LIU
Author Information
1. Department of Anaesthesia, National University Hospital, 5 Lower Kent Ridge Road, Main Building 1, Level 3, Singapore.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH:
Cricoid Cartilage;
physiology;
Evidence-Based Medicine;
Humans;
Intubation, Intratracheal;
methods;
Pneumonia, Aspiration;
prevention & control;
Pressure
- From:Singapore medical journal
2012;53(9):620-622
- CountrySingapore
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Cricoid pressure has been long used by clinicians to reduce the risk of aspiration during tracheal intubation. Historically, it is defined by Sellick as temporary occlusion of the upper end of the oesophagus by backward pressure of the cricoid cartilage against the bodies of the cervical vertebrae. The clinical relevance of cricoid pressure has been questioned despite its regular use in clinical practice. In this review, we address some of the controversies related to the use of cricoid pressure.
