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Fig. 3 | BMC Anesthesiology

Fig. 3

From: Ultrasonographic identification of the cricothyroid membrane in a patient with a difficult airway as a result of cervical hematoma caused by hemophilia: a case report

Fig. 3

Cervical ultrasonographic images obtained using the longitudinal approach. Either the transverse or longitudinal approach can be used for ultrasonographic identification of the cricothyroid membrane (CTM). Using the transverse approach, the operator manipulates the ultrasound probe while tilting it up and down on the patient’s neck to locate the CTM; if the operator is attempting to locate a deeply positioned CTM (a), the angle of tilt of the probe may be restricted, and is shown as a window (a, red lettering). In contrast, if the CTM is in a shallow position (b), the angle of tilt of the probe may be wider using the transverse approach. However, there is no need to tilt the probe when using the longitudinal approach. a An ultrasonographic image of the patient’s neck using the longitudinal approach. b An ultrasonographic image of the first author’s neck using the longitudinal approach. The first author is a healthy male adult with a standard physique (height 174 cm, body weight 68 kg). T, thyroid cartilage; C, cricoid cartilage; CTM, cricothyroid membrane

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