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The "BURP" maneuver worsens the glottic view when applied in combination with cricoid pressure

[La manuvre PAHD, combinée à la compression cricoïdienne, dégrade la visualisation de la glotte]

From the Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Alberta Hospital, and the Department of Anesthesia, Misericordia Hospital, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

Address correspondence to: Dr. Brendan T. Finucane, Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Alberta, Clinical Sciences Building, Room 8-120, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2G3, Canada. Phone: 780-407-2876; Fax: 780-407-7461; E-mail: bfinucan{at}ualberta.ca

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if the application of a BURP maneuver to the cricoid cartilage would combine the benefits of both the BURP and the Sellick maneuvers, resulting in an improved glottic view and offer the potential of protection against passive gastric regurgitation.

Methods: This was a double-blind, prospective, randomized, crossover trial. Forty-three patients scheduled for elective surgery participated in this study. General anesthesia was induced using fentanyl, propofol and rocuronium. In a random sequence for each case and blinded to the laryngoscopist, one of three maneuvers was carried out. Direct vertical pressure, using 30 newtons, a BURP maneuver with cricoid pressure, or no pressure was applied to the cricoid and the laryngoscopic view was ascertained. A separate laryngoscopy was conducted for each maneuver and the views were graded as good (part of the glottis seen), poor (only the arytenoids were seen) or no view (only the epiglottis was seen). Endotracheal intubation was then performed in each case.

Results: The results showed that the combination of the BURP maneuver and cricoid pressure worsened the view obtained at laryngoscopy in 30% of cases (P = 0.007). Cricoid pressure alone worsened the view in 12.5% of cases (P = 0.279). No difference was seen in 65% of cases. All patients but one were intubated easily.

Conclusion: There is no benefit to routinely applying a modified "BURP" maneuver to the cricoid cartilage during rapid sequence induction of anesthesia.

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