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Needle cricothyroidotomy revisited

1999; Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; Volume: 15; Issue: 3 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1097/00006565-199906000-00014

1535-1815

David A. Peak, Simon F. Roy,

Head and Neck Surgical Oncology

Needle cricothyroidotomy may provide a life-saving airway when tracheal intubation is not possible. Indications for needle cricothyroidotomy are discussed. Methods of needle/angiocatheter insertion and proposed means to connect to an oxygen source for intermittent insufflation are reviewed. A new technique for administering effective oxygenation and ventilation through a trans-tracheal catheter using materials commonly available in an emergency department is presented. Potential complications are discussed. Complete upper airway obstruction is a contraindication to needle cricothyroidotomy because of the risks of barotrauma. In a crisis situation, the emergency practitioner needs a simple, reliable, effective, and preplanned technique to deal with the "nightmare airway."