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A cricothyrotomy (also called thyrocricotomy, cricothyroidotomy, inferior laryngotomy, intercricothyrotomy, coniotomy or emergency airway puncture) is an emergency incision through the skin and cricothyroid membrane to secure a patient's airway for emergency relief of upper airway obstruction. A cricothyrotomy is usually performed by paramedics and emergency physicians as a last resort in cases of severe choking due to upper airway obstruction when attempts at orotracheal and nasotracheal intubation have failed.
Procedure
A cricothyrotomy is typically performed using a hollow needle to pierce the cricothyroid membrane inbetween the thyroid and cricoid cartilages. The needle enters the patient's airway, allowing air to flow through the incision. Under non-ideal conditions without access to medical assistance or equipment, cricothyrotomy can be performed using crude devices such as knives to cut through the skin, and piercing the cricothyroid membrane with for instance the barrel of a ball point pen.
See also
References
- Barone, Jeanine. Tracheotomy. health.enotes.com. URL last accessed February 28 2006.
- Brookside Associates; US Army Medical department. Cricothyroidotomy. www.brooksidepress.org. URL last accessed February 28 2006.
- Dorland's Illustrated Medical Dictionary. Main Index. www.mercksource.com. URL last accessed February 28 2006.
- Reis, Carlos. Cricothyroidotomy. www.medstudents.com.br. URL last accessed February 28 2006.
- SIAARTI study committee on the difficult airway. SIAARTI guidelines for difficult intubation and for difficult airway management. anestit.unipa.it. URL last accessed February 28 2006.
External links
"Cricothyrotomy"