Ultrasound Examination Versus Palpation to Locate the Cricothyroid Membrane

Comparison of Ultrasound Examination and Palpation to Locate the Cricothyroid Membrane - a Randomized Study

Anesthesiologists get a course on localizing the cricothyroid membrane on a human using ultrasonography. Thereafter their ability to localize the cricothyroid membrane with either palpation or ultrasonography, in a randomised fashion, is tested.

The ability to localize the cricothyroid membrane on patients before airway management is crucial in order to be able to follow the difficult airway algorithms.

Studies have show a high failure rate when anesthesiologists rely on palpation.

In this study Anesthesiologists get an e-learning course, get literature to study , and get a theoretical course and a hands-on course in using ultrasound for localizing the cricothyroid membrane. . Thereafter their ability to localize the cricothyroid membrane with either palpation or ultrasonography, in a randomised fashion, is tested.

Inclusion Criteria:

• being an anesthesiologist attending our airway management course

Exclusion Criteria:

• unwillingness to participate