Accuracy of cricothyroid membrane identification using ultrasound and palpation techniques in morbidly obese patients;

Background:The location of the cricothyroid membrane plays a fundamental role in the scenario of a difficult airway in the non-ventilated/ non-intubated situation.With the use of ultrasound, the membrane can be located easily by trained operators.Material and Methods: 82 patients with morbid obesity were studied, as it is a population with a higher incidence of difficult intubation.First, an operator made a marking based on anatomical landmarks.A different ultrasound-trained operator located the cricothyroid membrane with US.The difference in millimeters between both measurements was compared.Results: In the 82 patients, 100% located the cricothyroid membrane by US.When comparing both techniques, a difference of 5.8 ± 3.2 mm (p > 0.05) was found.Conclusion: The use of ultrasound for the evaluation of the airway is a non-invasive and useful technique that allows the identification of the cricothyroid membrane.