Use of the McGRATH™ MAC videolaryngoscope to evaluate the ability of anesthetists to give effective cricoid pressure: An interventional study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The application of cricoid pressure (CP) for rapid sequence induction is questioned on two grounds: its effectiveness in clinical settings and its impact on the laryngeal view. The main reason cited for its ineffectiveness is the lack of knowledge and training in its correct application. This study assessed, the performance of anesthetists in applying effective CP in a clinical setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty-five ASA I/II adult patients posted for elective surgery requiring oral endotracheal intubation with nasogastric tube (NGT) placement participated in the study. Eighty-five anesthetists divided into five groups based on their level of experience were randomly chosen to apply CP after induction of anesthesia. An experienced anesthetist performed videolaryngoscopy and attempted NGT insertion. The primary outcome was effectiveness of CP defined as the inability to pass the NGT into the esophageal opening. We also noted that the glottic view with and without CP and the effectiveness of CP across different levels of experience of anesthetists. RESULTS: Of the 85 anesthetists, 61 (71.8%) applied effective CP. The effectiveness improved with experience (first-year residents-11/17 [64.7%], second-year residents-11/17 [64.7%], third-year residents-10/17 [58.8%], senior residents-13/17 [76.5%], and consultants-16/17 [94.1%]) (P = 0.157). Post hoc analysis showed higher effectiveness among anesthetists with >3 years of experience (85.3%) compared with <3 years of experience (62.7%) (P = 0.024). CP did not always impede the laryngeal view, rather it has no effect or actually improves the glottic view in many instances (81%). CONCLUSION: CP is effective in occluding the esophageal lumen without hampering glottic view in the majority of the cases, and its effectiveness improves with experience.