In this episode Jeremy and Mark focus on the cricothyroid membrane. They discuss the anatomy, sizing, vasculature and orientation of this important airway landmark. They then highlight techniques for palpating the cricothyroid membrane, and finish up with a discussion that explains how to use Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) to mark where exact position of this membrane is on the neck. This is an episode you won’t want to miss!

References

1. Lin J, Bellinger R, Shedd A, et al. Point-of-Care Ultrasound in Airway Evaluation and Management: A Comprehensive Review. Diagnostics (Basel). 2023;13(9):1541. Published 2023 Apr 25. doi:10.3390/diagnostics13091541
2. Kristensen MS, Teoh WH, Rudolph SS. Ultrasonographic identification of the cricothyroid membrane: best evidence, techniques, and clinical impact. Br J Anaesth. 2016 Sep;117 Suppl 1:i39-i48. doi: 10.1093/bja/aew176. Epub 2016 Jul 17. PMID: 27432055.
3. Rai Y, You-Ten E, Zasso F, De Castro C, Ye XY, Siddiqui N. The role of ultrasound in front-of-neck access for cricothyroid membrane identification: A systematic review. J Crit Care. 2020 Dec;60:161-168. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2020.07.030. Epub 2020 Aug 13. PMID: 32836091. Journal of Anaesthesia, Volume 117, Issue suppl_1, September 2016, Pages i39–i48, https://doi.org/10.1093/bja/aew176
4. Hung KC, Chen IW, Lin CM, Sun CK. Comparison between ultrasound-guided and digital palpation techniques for identification of the cricothyroid membrane: a meta-analysis. Br J Anaesth. 2021 Jan;126(1):e9-e11. doi: 10.1016/j.bja.2020.08.012. Epub 2020 Sep 28. PMID: 32896429.
5. Kristensen MS, Teoh WH. Ultrasound identification of the cricothyroid membrane: the new standard in preparing for front-of-neck airway access. Br J Anaesth. 2021 Jan;126(1):22-27. doi: 10.1016/j.bja.2020.10.004. Epub 2020 Oct 31. PMID: 33131758.
6. Siddiqui N, Arzola C, Friedman Z, Guerina L, You-Ten KE. Ultrasound Improves Cricothyrotomy Success in Cadavers with Poorly Defined Neck Anatomy: A Randomized Control Trial. Anesthesiology. 2015 Nov;123(5):1033-41. doi: 10.1097/ALN.0000000000000848. PMID: 26352376.

About The Nurse Anesthesia

We are building a commUNITY of learning in anesthesia and critical care. For anyone who wants to learn or review anesthesia concepts…we will set you up for a successful educational jOURney by providing short, meaningful courses to accelerate your nurse anesthesia learning, tackle your training, and become the successful CRNA you have always dreamed of. Let's do this together. It's Go Time!

Sign up for The Nurse Anesthesia Courses

We are currently developing anesthesia content! Learn more about The Nurse Anesthesia at www.thenurseanesthesia.com

Follow us on Instagram

We post about all things anesthesia. Follow us on Instagram @thenurseanesthesia

Comments or Suggestions?

We’re here to help you improve your anesthesia learning and practice, and we want to make sure our content is relevant for you. Please contact us on Instagram with suggestions.

Legal Disclaimer

The Nurse Anesthesia INC. expressly disclaims any liability in connection with the use of any content in its podcasts, social media posts, and all other published content by any third party.

Music by Alex Grohl

Mixed & Edited by Next Day Podcast
info@nextdaypodcast.com