Cricothyroidotomy
- 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
Minimum equipment
- Something to clean the skin
- Scalpel
- +/- Tracheal spreader
- Bougie
- 6.0 ETT
Procedure
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
