Sonographic Assessment of Cricoid Pressure

Launched by BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL · Dec 5, 2019

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effectiveness of a technique called cricoid pressure, which is used during anesthesia to help prevent a serious problem called aspiration. Aspiration happens when stomach contents enter the lungs, which can be dangerous, especially for children. The researchers want to see how well cricoid pressure works in children by using ultrasound imaging to look at the relationship between the cricoid cartilage and the esophagus, the tube that carries food and liquids to the stomach. They will also explore if applying pressure differently could be more effective in keeping the esophagus closed.

To participate in this trial, children aged 0 to 17 who are scheduled for surgery or admitted to the Medical Surgical Intensive Care Unit may be eligible. However, some children may not qualify if they have certain medical conditions related to their airway or esophagus, or if there are concerns about their airway being difficult to manage. Participants can expect to undergo non-invasive ultrasound imaging to gather information during their routine care. This research aims to improve safety during anesthesia for young patients.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • All patients age 0 - 17 years who are on the OR (operating room) schedule and all patients admitted to the MSICU (Medical Surgical Intensive Care Unit) will be screened for this study.
• • Patients in the MSICU will only be included if they are sedated as part of their clinical management.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • history of airway or esophageal malformations (e.g. esophageal atresia or trachea-esophageal fistula) or who have had prior surgical procedures involving the airway or esophagus
• • known difficult airways
• • patients with tenuous artificial airways as determined by reviewing the CXR (chest x-ray)
• • patients with abnormal blood flow pattern to the head (e.g. history of right carotid ligation or interruption, known incomplete circle of Willis, known right IJ (internal jugular) venous clots or obstruction
• • patients with left neck CVLs (Central Venous Line)
• • patients with compromised skin integrity on neck