What is the purpose of using cricoid pressure before intubation?

The use of cricoid pressure before intubation primarily aims to decrease the risk of aspiration. This technique, also known as the Sellick maneuver, involves applying pressure to the cricoid cartilage located in the neck. The rationale behind this is to occlude the esophagus, which is positioned directly behind the trachea. By doing so, it minimizes the likelihood of stomach contents moving into the airway during the intubation process, particularly in patients who are at a higher risk of regurgitation. This is especially critical in emergency scenarios or in patients who may be unable to protect their airway due to altered consciousness or other medical conditions.

The application of cricoid pressure is not specifically intended to achieve airway obstruction prevention, reduce nausea, or improve ventilation. While maintaining a secure airway and potentially reducing nausea can be important considerations in patient management, the primary focus of cricoid pressure is to protect against the aspiration of gastric contents during intubation.