Ultrasound Versus Physical Examination for Cricothyroid Membrane Determination in Pediatric Patients

Emergency cricothyroidotomy is a very important technique to ensure airway safety in acute situations. Problem in identifying the cricothyroid membrane is a major contributor to high failure, as the most common complication during cricothyrotomy is the misplacement of the cannula. The success rate of emergency airway access performed by anesthesiologists and emergency medicine specialists was found to be low due to the low frequency of the procedure. The aim in this study is to compare the palpation method with the ultrasonugraphy (USG)-based method in determining the cricothyroid membrane. The hypothesis is that USG is more successful than palpation in identifying the cricothyroid membrane. In addition, the relationship between difficult intubation and measurements such as the cricothyroid membrane length, the cricoid cartilage and the skin distance, the distance between the cricoid cartilage and the second tracheal ring will be evaluated.