Cricothyroidotomy

Abstract

Cricothyroidotomy is an emergent procedure performed on patients experiencing severe respiratory distress in whom orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation has failed. The procedure involves making an incision in the cricothyroid membrane, which lies between the thyroid and cricoid cartilages, followed by inserting a tracheostomy tube, which allows ventilation. This video describes how to perform a cricothyroidotomy in an adult. The major indication for cricothyroidotomy is the inability to establish an airway by orotracheal or nasotracheal intubation. Failure to secure an orotracheal or nasotracheal airway may be due to factors such as difficult patient anatomy; excessive blood in the mouth or . . . .