Comparison of two ultrasound techniques in identifying the cricothyroid membrane in patients with abnormal necks

Comparison of sagittal versus transverse ultrasound techniques in identifying the cricothyroid membrane in subjects with neck pathology: A diagnostic accuracy study

Status

Active, not recruiting

Phases

Unknown

Study type

Interventional

Source

ISRCTN

Registry ID

ISRCTN11036029

Enrollment

Registered

2017-01-31

Start date

2017-02-01

Completion date

Unknown

Last updated

2022-10-17

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Specialty: Anaesthesia, perioperative medicine and pain management, Primary sub-specialty: Anaesthesia, Perioperative Medicine and Pain Management

Interventions

Three subjects are to be recruited. The first subject is a healthy adult subject with normal BMI as the ‘training’ subject. The other two subjects are adults with neck pathology who is otherwise medic

Eligibility

Sex/Gender

All

Inclusion criteria

Inclusion criteria: Training subjects (n = 1): 1. Between the ages of 18-80 years old either male or female 2. Able to give informed consent 3. Healthy volunteer Study subjects (n = 2): 1. Between the ages of 18-80 years old either male or female 2. Able to give informed consent 3. Has neck pathology/ previous neck surgery or irradiation Research Participants (n = 45): 1. Anaesthetic trainees (ST3 and above), NCCG and consultants proficient in handling the ultrasound either for vascular access or regional anaesthesia. 2. Between the ages of 18-80 years old either male or female 3. Able to give informed consent

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion criteria: Training subjects (n1): 1. Have neck pathology 2. Previous neck surgery or irradiation. 3. Medically unstable 4. Unable to tolerate lying flat or extending the neck for a prolonged period of time Study subjects (n2): 1. Medically unstable 2. Unable to tolerate lying flat or extending the neck for a prolonged period of time Research Participants (n45): Have used the ultrasound in identifying the cricothyroid membrane within the past 1 year.

Design outcomes

Primary

Measure	Time frame
Time taken in successful identification of the cricothyroid membrane with each technique is measured in seconds throughout the performance of each technique.	—

Secondary

Measure	Time frame
1. Accuracy in identifying the cricothyroid membrane with each technique is assessed by comparing results to subject status immediately after each technique is performed (the borders of the cricothyroid membrane has been pre-marked with UV pen) 2. Confidence in identification of the cricothyroid membrane with each technique is measured using a numerical rating scale from 1-10 immediately before and after performing all 3 techniques on all 3 subjects 3. Ease of learning and performing techniques is assessed by a post-study questionnaire designed for the purpose of this study immediately after performing all 3 techniques on all 3 subjects	—

Measure

Time frame

1. Accuracy in identifying the cricothyroid membrane with each technique is assessed by comparing results to subject status immediately after each technique is performed (the borders of the cricothyroid membrane has been pre-marked with UV pen) 2. Confidence in identification of the cricothyroid membrane with each technique is measured using a numerical rating scale from 1-10 immediately before and after performing all 3 techniques on all 3 subjects 3. Ease of learning and performing techniques is assessed by a post-study questionnaire designed for the purpose of this study immediately after performing all 3 techniques on all 3 subjects

—

Countries

England, United Kingdom

Contacts

Public ContactChia Kuan Yeow

cyeow01@qub.ac.uk+44 7834 059518

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ISRCTN (via WHO ICTRP) · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026