Airway difficulties caused by improperly applied cricoid pressure

Cricoid pressure, when properly applied, may prevent gastric regurgitation and may improve the view of laryngoscopy, When improperly applied, however, it can impede laryngoscopy and mask-ventilation. When faced with a "cannot intubate" or "cannot mask-ventilate" situation, clinicians should reevalua te the manner with which the assistant is applying cricoid pressure and mus t be prepared to adjust or even to release it. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science In c.