Cricothyroidotomy surgical airway

Background

• Can be lifesaving
• Not in children aged less than 12 years
• Before attempting this procedure consider all other options ...particularly airway clearing manoeuvres, and intubation

Procedure

Minimum equipment

• Something to clean the skin
• Scalpel
• ± Tracheal spreader
• Bougie
• 6.0 ETT

Potential Complications

• Inadequate oxygenation / ventilation
• Haemorrhage and haematoma
• Aspiration of blood
• Creation of a false passage
• Oesophageal or tracheal laceration
• Surgical emphysema
• Laryngeal stenosis
• Cellulitis
• Vocal cord paralysis