The sniffing position has traditionally been considered the optimal head position for direct laryngoscopy, according to the report. To determine whether the SP is in fact the best position for DL, researchers reviewed literature on the subject to examine evidence in favor of or against the routine use of the SP.
The researchers defined the SP as a 35 degree neck flexion and a 15 degree head extension. A review of the literature supports the use of the SP for DL, and the study found that the “ramped” or back-up position should be used to achieve a proper SP for obese patients.
The study noted that the SP does not guarantee adequate exposure in all patients because many other anatomical factors control the final degree of visualization.
Read the study in Anesthesia & Analgesia about laryngoscopy.
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