Needle cricothyrotomy
Key points
- This is an emergency incision, or insertion of a hollow needle, into the airway (larynx).
- In an emergency situation, when someone is choking and all other efforts to assist with breathing have failed, a hollow needle can be inserted into the throat, just below the Adam's apple (cricoid cartilage).
- A cricothyrotomy is recommended as an emergency procedure to relieve an airway obstruction until surgical placement of a breathing tube (tracheostomy) can be done.
- Emergency airway puncture (cricothyrotomy) can be quite effective in relieving an airway obstruction.
Alternative names
Emergency airway puncture; Emergency airway puncture
Definition
This is an emergency incision, or insertion of a hollow needle, into the airway (larynx). It is used to treat life-threatening choking.
Description
In an emergency situation, when someone is choking and all other efforts to assist with breathing have failed, a hollow needle can be inserted into the throat, just below the Adam's apple (cricoid cartilage). In hospital settings, a small skin incision may be made before inserting the needle or tube.
Indications
A cricothyrotomy is recommended as an emergency procedure to relieve an airway obstruction until surgical placement of a breathing tube (tracheostomy) can be done.
Risks
Risks for any surgery are:
- Bleeding
- Infection
Additional risks include:
- Trauma to the larynx, thyroid gland, or esophagus
Expectations after surgery
Emergency airway puncture (cricothyrotomy) can be quite effective in relieving an airway obstruction.
Convalescence
See tracheostomy.
Written and revised by
David Cohen, M.D.
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