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cricoid pressure

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cricoid pressure,
a technique to reduce the risk of the aspiration of stomach contents during induction of general anesthesia. The cricoid cartilage is pushed against the body of the sixth cervical vertebra, compressing the esophagus to prevent passive regurgitation. The technique cannot, however, stop active vomiting. Cricoid pressure is applied before intubation, immediately after injection of anesthetic drugs, and as a part of "rapid sequence" intubation. Once a mainstay of aspiration prevention, the effectiveness of this technique has recently been called into question. Cricoid pressure may also be used to move the larynx posteriorly to facilitate visualization during laryngoscopy. Also called Sellick's maneuver.

cricoid pressure (krīˑ·koid preˑ·sher),
n technique used during general anesthesia to lessen the possibility of stomach content aspiration. The practitioner squeezes the cricoid cartilage against the sixth cervical vertebra to stop passive regurgitation. Does not work with active vomiting, however. Also called
Sellick's maneuver.
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Cricoid pressure.


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By using the thumb and forefinger, the cricoid pressure will effectively close the esophagus until the cuffed endotracheal tube is established in the patient's airway.
 
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