Assessment of Anesthesiologists’ Rapid Sequence Induction Technique in an University Hospital

A survey of self-reported use of cricoid pressure amongst Australian and New Zealand anaesthetists: Attitudes and practice

We conducted a survey of Australian and New Zealand anaesthetists designed to quantify self-reported use of cricoid pressure (CP) in patients presumed to be at risk of gastric regurgitation, and to ascertain the underlying justifications used to support individual practice. We aimed to identify the perceived benefits and harms associated with the use of CP and to explore the potential impact of medicolegal concerns on clinical decision-making. We also sought to ascertain the views of Australian and New Zealand anaesthetists on whether recommendations relating to CP should be included in airway management guidelines. We designed an electronic survey comprised of 15 questions that was emailed to 981 randomly selected Fellows of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) by the ANZCA Clinical Trials Network on behalf of the investigators. We received responses from 348 invitees (response rate 35.5%). Of the 348 respondents, 267 (76.9%) indicated that they would routinely use CP for patients determined to be at increased risk of gastric regurgitation. When asked whether participants believed the use of CP reduces the risk of gastric regurgitation, 39.8% indicated yes, 23.8% believed no and 36.3% were unsure. Of the respondents who indicated that they routinely performed CP, 159/267 (60%) indicated that concerns over the potential medicolegal consequences of omitting CP in a patient who subsequently aspirates was one of the main reasons for using CP. The majority (224/337; 66%) of respondents believed that recommendations about the use of CP in airway management guidelines should include individual practitioner judgement, while only 55/337 (16%) respondents believed that routine CP should be advocated in contemporary emergency airway management guidelines.

Ultrasound guided paralaryngeal pressure versus cricoid pressure on the occlusion of esophagus: a crossover study

The primary objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of cricoid pressure (CP) and paralaryngeal pressure (PLP) on occlusion of eccentric esophagus in patients under general anesthesia (GA). Secondary objectives include the prevalence of patients with central or eccentric esophagus both before and after GA, and the success rate of CP in occluding centrally located esophagus in patients post GA. Fifty-one ASA physical status I and II patients, undergoing GA for elective surgery were enrolled in this study. Ultrasonography imaging were performed to determine the position of the esophagus relative to the trachea: (i) before induction of GA, (ii) after GA before external CP maneuver, (iii) after GA with CP, and (iv) after GA with PLP. CP was applied to all patients whilst PLP via fingertip technique was only applied to patients with an eccentric esophagus. Among a total of 51 patients, 28 of them (55%) had eccentric esophagus pre GA, while this number increase to 33 (65%) after induction of GA. CP success rate was 100% in 18 patients with central esophagus post GA versus 27% in 33 patients with eccentric esophagus post GA (P<0.00001). Overall success rate for CP was 53%. In 33 patients with eccentric esophagus anatomy post GA, PLP success rate was 30% compared with 27% with CP (P=1.000). Ultrasound guided PLP fingertips technique was not effective in patients with an eccentrically located esophagus post GA. Ultrasound guided CP achieved 100% success rate in patients with a centrally located esophagus post GA.

Rapid-sequence intubation and cricoid pressure

Airway management is the most important clinical skill for anesthesiologist, emergency physician, and other providers who are involved in oxygenation and ventilation of the lungs. Rapid-sequence intubation is the preferred method to secure airway in patients who are at risk for aspiration because it results in rapid unconsciousness (induction) and neuromuscular blockade (paralysis). Application of cricoid pressure (CP) for patients undergoing rapid-sequence intubation is controversial. Multiple specialty societies have recommended that CP is not effective in preventing aspiration; rather it may worsen laryngoscopic view and impair bag-valve mask ventilation. Some experts think that CP should be applied in trauma and patients at risk for aspiration; however CP, if necessary, should be altered or removed to facilitate intubation.