Cricothyrotomy.
Abstract
The ideal surgical procedure for the relief of upper airway obstruction is the elective low tracheostomy performed in an operating room under aseptic conditions in a patient well ventilated by means of an endotracheal tube or bronchoscope. The emergency procedure discussed in this review should by no means be considered a substitute for this ideal procedure. Cricothyrotomy is relatively simple and is the procedure of choice in the hands of the nonsurgeon who is faced with the problem of creating an emergency airway in cases of acute airway obstruction. Cricothyrotomy should be considered as a short term by pass airway, and, if the need for surgical airway persists, it should be replaced by an orderly low tracheotomy as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours after the emergency procedure. When the tube is permanently removed, the mucous membrane and skin should be carefully sutured, preferably by a general surgeon or otolaryngologist.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- ADA017161
Entities
People
- Frederick G. Collins
- H. H. Hanna
- Morgan E. Wing
Organizations
- United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine