Cricothyrotomy.
Cricothyrotomy is a simple and safe method for obtaining airway control during situations in which endotracheal intubation is difficult or contraindicated. Cricothyrotomy can be a lifesaving procedure. It can be done quickly in emergency situations by nonsurgeons with a minimum of necessary equipment and without requiring an operating room. The anatomy, specific techniques or procedure, indications and contraindications, and the advantages and disadvantages are discussed.
Mace
S E
SE
Department of Emergency Medicine, Mt. Sinai Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio 44196.
D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000628:therapy; D004630:Emergencies; D006801:Humans; D007440:Intubation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D007830:Larynx / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000601:surgery*; D008722:Methods