Cricoid Pressure Should Not Be Used with the Pentax Airway Scope

In a randomized trial, cricoid pressure impeded tube passage through the glottis and prolonged intubation time.

Cricoid pressure has been associated with worsened glottic views and difficult tube placement during conventional laryngoscopy and intubation. It has not been previously studied in combination with the Pentax Airway Scope (AWS), a video laryngoscope with an integrated screen and tracheal tube channel.

In a single-center operating room trial, 60 patients aged 20 to 85 years were randomized to intubation with the Pentax AWS with either cricoid pressure or “sham” pressure. Sham pressure was accomplished by placing fingers on the cricoid ring but not applying downward force. Cricoid pressure was provided by an anesthesiologist who was trained to apply 30N of downward force using a cricoid simulator. Patients with anticipated difficult airways an…

Reviewing Author

Calvin A. Brown III, MD, FAAEM

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardVerathon, Inc. (Scientific Advisory Board Member)

Editorial boardsScientific American Emergency Medicine; Manual of Emergency Airway Management (Editor-in-Chief)

Leadership positions in professional societiesPrograms Subcommittee Chair for the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine–Residency and Fellowship Fair

Calvin A. Brown III, MD, FAAEM

Disclosures

Consultant / Advisory boardVerathon, Inc. (Scientific Advisory Board Member)

Editorial boardsScientific American Emergency Medicine; Manual of Emergency Airway Management (Editor-in-Chief)

Leadership positions in professional societiesPrograms Subcommittee Chair for the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine–Residency and Fellowship Fair

Cricoid Pressure Should Not Be Used with the Pentax Airway Scope

Topics

Reviewing Author