Ultrasound reveals whether a common anesthesia maneuver actually protects Kids' lungs

NCT ID NCT04190524

Ongoing Knowledge-focused Sponsor: Boston Children's Hospital Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This study uses ultrasound to check if pressing on the neck (cricoid pressure) during anesthesia prevents stomach contents from entering the lungs in children. Researchers will measure the esophagus before and after pressure in 35 kids aged 0-17. They also test if pressing from the side works better than the standard downward pressure.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: cricoid pressure (manual pressure on the neck)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could improve how doctors prevent stomach contents from entering the lungs during anesthesia in children.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early observational study with only 35 participants, so results may not apply to all children. It does not test a new treatment.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

aspiration pneumonia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ASPIRATION; GASTRIC CONTENTS, ANESTHESIA INTUBATION COMPLICATION

Contacts and locations

Locations

Boston Children's Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02115, United States

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