Cricoid pressure, also called the Sellick maneuver, is a technique in which backward pressure is applied to the cricoid cartilage of the neck, intended to occlude the esophagus directly behind it and prevent the aspiration of stomach contents into the lungs. It is applied with a force of about 20 to 44 newtons, primarily during rapid sequence induction, the technique used when a patient needs to be intubated urgently, and also during resuscitation when intubation is delayed or not possible. Although widely used during rapid sequence induction for nearly fifty years, the technique became controversial as evidence accumulated questioning its effectiveness and suggesting that it may instead displace the esophagus sideways rather than compress it as originally intended, leading the American Heart Association to discourage its routine use from 2010 onward.
Facts
FAQs
Who introduced cricoid pressure, and why is it called the Sellick maneuver?
Brian Arthur Sellick, an anesthetist, described it in a 1961 paper.
The technique is named for Brian Arthur Sellick, an anesthetist who published a paper on it in 1961. His preliminary communication described applying pressure to the cricoid cartilage to control regurgitation of stomach contents during the induction of anesthesia. The technique is also known as the Sellick maneuver or Sellick manoeuvre.
What problems has cricoid pressure been linked to?
Nausea, vomiting, possible esophageal rupture and, at times, harder intubation or ventilation.
Sources describe cricoid pressure as associated with nausea and vomiting, and as something that may cause esophageal rupture or make tracheal intubation and ventilation difficult or even impossible. The same passage notes that, like any technique, it has indications, contraindications and side effects.
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundation
2. Cricoid pressure (Wikipedia)
History section
In 1961 Brian Arthur Sellick (1918-1996), an anaesthetist, published the paper Cricoid pressure to control regurgitation of stomach contents during induction of anesthesia-preliminary communication, describing the application of cricoid pressure for the prevention of regurgitation.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cricoid_pressure, lead section
Cricoid pressure, also known as the Sellick manoeuvre or Sellick maneuver, is a technique used in endotracheal intubation to try to reduce the risk of regurgitation.
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