Which maneuver is used to visualize the vocal cords during intubation?

The Sellick maneuver, also known as cricoid pressure, is specifically used to enhance visualization of the vocal cords during intubation. It involves applying pressure to the cricoid cartilage, which compresses the esophagus and minimizes the risk of regurgitation and aspiration. By doing this, it can improve the alignment of the airway structures and provide a clearer view of the vocal cords as the intubator looks through the laryngoscope. This technique is particularly valuable when attempting to secure the airway in situations where rapid sequence intubation is indicated.

The other maneuvers, such as the jaw-thrust, chin lift, and head tilt, serve different purposes in airway management or may help to open the airway but do not directly facilitate visualization of the vocal cords during the intubation process. While the chin lift and head tilt are often used to open the airway by realigning the pharyngeal axis, they do not specifically address visualization issues. The jaw-thrust maneuver is useful in cases where spinal injury is suspected but similarly does not directly aid in visualizing the vocal cords.