Long-Term Outcomes of Cricothyroidotomy Versus Endotracheal Intubation in Military Personnel: A Retrospective Comparative Analysis Cohort Study.

INTRODUCTION: Emergency airway management is critical in trauma care. Cricothyroidotomy (CRIC) is a salvage procedure commonly used in failed endotracheal intubation (ETI) or difficult airway cases. However, more data is needed regarding the short and long-term complications associated with CRIC. This study aimed to evaluate the Israel Defense Forces experience with CRIC over the past 2 decades and compare the short-term and long-term sequelae of prehospital CRIC and ETI. METHODS: Data on patients undergoing either CRIC or ETI in the prehospital setting between 1997 and 2021 were extracted from the Israel Defense Forces trauma registry. Patient data was then cross-referenced with the Israel national trauma registry, documenting in-hospital care, and the Israel Ministry of Defense rehabilitation department registry, containing long-term disability files of military personnel. RESULTS: Of the 122 patients with short-term follow-up through initial hospitalization, 81% underwent prehospital ETI, while 19% underwent CRIC. There was a higher prevalence of military-related and explosion injuries among the CRIC patients (96% versus 65%, P = 0.02). Patients who underwent CRIC more frequently exhibited oxygen saturations below 90% (52% versus 29%, P = 0.002). Injury Severity Score was comparable between groups.No significant difference was found in intensive care unit length of stay and need for tracheostomy. Regarding long-term complications, with a median follow-up time of 15 y, CRIC patients had more upper airway impairment, with most suffering from hoarseness alone. One patient in the CRIC group suffered from esophageal stricture. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective comparative analysis did not reveal significant short or long-term sequelae among military personnel who underwent prehospital CRIC. The long-term follow-up did not indicate severe aerodigestive impairments, thus suggesting that this technique is safe. Along with the high success rates attributed to this procedure, we recommend that CRIC remains in the armamentarium of trauma care providers. The findings of this study could provide valuable insights into managing difficult airway in trauma care and inform clinical decision-making in emergency settings.

Anesthesiologists' skills in emergency cricothyroidotomy mandate a brush-up training after 3 months-A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: In the Difficult Airway Society's 2015 "cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate" guideline, the emergency cricothyroidotomy is the final option when managing an unanticipated difficult airway. How often training for maintenance of this skill is required for anesthesiologists remains unknown. We aimed to assess if specialist-trained anesthesiologists' skills improved from a brush-up intervention and if skills were retained after 3 months. METHODS: In this multicenter, randomized, controlled trial, participants were randomized to either a simulation-based brush-up or no brush-up. Both groups performed a mannequin-based technical skills emergency cricothyroidotomy test twice and were assessed by a blinded rater using a structured assessment tool that included time, positioning, palpation, appropriate employment of instruments, and stepwise progression. After 3 months of non-training, participants completed identical tests of retention. RESULTS: A total of 54 anesthesiologists were included from three hospitals in the Region of Southern Denmark. Thirty-seven percent of the participants had received skills training in emergency cricothyroidotomy in the prior 12 months. The intervention group (N = 27) performed better in the initial tests, with a mean time of 51.5 s (SD = 10.82), a total score per minute of 15.9 points (SD = 4.91), and 93% passing both initial tests compared to the control group (N = 27) with a mean time of 76.8 s (SD = 35.82), a total score per minute of 6.6 (SD = 4.68) and only 15% passing both initial tests. The intervention group managed to retain overall performance in retention tests in terms of performance time (48.9 s, p = .26), total score per minute (13.6 points, p = .094), and passing the tests (75%, p = .059). CONCLUSION: Exposure to simulation-based brush-up training in emergency cricothyroidotomy improved anesthesiologists' technical performance and was overall retained after 3 months. Some loss of skill concerning specific items was observed, highlighting the need for regular training in emergency cricothyroidotomy. Simulation-based training should be prioritized to improve and maintain technical skills in infrequent high-stakes procedures.

Prehospital Surgical Airway Management: An NAEMSP Position Statement and Resource Document.

Bag-valve-mask ventilation and endotracheal intubation have been the mainstay of prehospital airway management for over four decades. Recently, supraglottic device use has risen due to various factors. The combination of bag-valve-mask ventilation, endotracheal intubation, and supraglottic devices allows for successful airway management in a majority of patients. However, there exists a small portion of patients who are unable to be intubated and cannot be adequately ventilated with either a facemask or a supraglottic airway. These patients require an emergent surgical airway. A surgical airway is an important component of all airway algorithms, and in some cases may be the only viable approach; therefore, it is imperative that EMS agencies that are credentialed to manage airways have the capability to perform surgical airways when appropriate. The National Association of Emergency Medical Services Physicians (NAEMSP) recommends the following for emergency medical services (EMS) agencies that provide advanced airway management.A surgical airway is reasonable in the prehospital setting when the airway cannot be secured by less invasive means.When indicated, a surgical airway should be performed without delay.A surgical airway is not a substitute for other airway management tools and techniques. It should not be the only rescue option available.Success of an open surgical approach using a scalpel is higher than that of percutaneous Seldinger techniques or needle-jet ventilation in the emergency setting.

Dimensional compatibility of currently available equipment for cricothyroidotomy and adult airway anatomy: an in vitro analysis.

BACKGROUND: There are scant data on the dimensional compatibility of cricothyroidotomy equipment and related airway anatomy. We compared the dimensional design of devices for cricothyroidotomy with anatomical airway data for adult patients. METHODS: For all available cricothyroidotomy equipment the outer diameter was recorded from manufacturer information or, if not available, measured using a sliding calliper. Outer diameters were compared with recently published mean (standard deviation [sd]) values for the height of the cricothyroid membrane obtained from computed tomography, separately for males (7.9 [2.2] mm) and for females (5.9 [1.7] mm). RESULTS: Twenty-one cricothyroidotomy sets (10 uncuffed, 11 cuffed) with 15 differently designed devices were included. Inner diameters of the tubes ranged from 3.5 to 6.0 mm and outer diameters from 5.0 to 11.7 mm. The outer diameter of the 15 different tubes was found to be greater than the mean membrane height of the adult male cricothyroid membrane in eight devices and greater than the mean membrane height for female adults in 10 devices. Considering the lower range of cricothyroid membrane height, 12 tube outer diameters would be too large for male adults and all 15 for female adults in this range. CONCLUSION: The outer diameter of many devices currently marketed for cricothyroidotomy are oversized for adult airway anatomy, particularly for females. For emergency front-of-neck access through the cricothyroid membrane, anatomical data suggest that cricothyroidotomy devices with outer tube diameters of <7 mm for male and <6 mm for female adult patients should be preferred.

Dual-wavelength fiber-optic technique to assist needle cricothyroidotomy.

The traditional needle cricothyroidotomy procedure is performed blindly without any medical equipment. Complications including posterior tracheal wall perforation, accidental vessel puncture, and missed tracheal puncture are reported. Therefore, we proposed a dual-wavelength fiber-optic technique based on the technique of near-infrared spectroscopy to assist operators performing needle cricothyroidotomy in a swine model. We embedded optical fibers in a 16-gauge intravenous needle catheter. Real-time data were displayed on an oscilloscope, and we used the program to analyze the data immediately. The change of optical density corresponding to 690-nm and 850-nm wavelengths and hemoglobin parameters (HbO2 and Hb concentrations) was analyzed immediately using the program in the laptop. Unique and significant optical differences were presented in this experiment. We could easily identify every different tissue by the change of optical density corresponding to 690-nm and 850-nm wavelengths and hemoglobin parameters (HbO2 and Hb concentrations). Statistical method (Kruskal-Wallis H test) was used to compare differences in tissues at each time-point, respectively. The p values in every tissue in optical density change corresponding to 690 nm and 850 nm were all < 0.001. Furthermore, the p values in every tissue in Hb and HbO2 were also all < 0.001. The results were statistically significant. This is the first and novel study to introduce a dual-wavelength embedded fibers into a standard cricothyroidotomy needle. This proposed system might be helpful to provide us real-time information of the advanced needle tip to decrease possible complications.

Comparison between laryngeal handshake and palpation techniques in the identification of cricothyroid membrane: a meta-analysis.

Because the use of conventional digital palpation technique for the identification of cricothyroid membrane (CTM) has been widely believed to be unreliable, the 'laryngeal handshake' technique (LH) has been introduced for CTM identification in the event of cricothyroidotomy. To provide evidence for clinical practice, this pilot meta-analysis aimed at investigating whether identification of CTM with the LH is superior to that with the palpation technique. Studies that evaluated the accuracy of CTM identification by using LH or palpation techniques (i.e., LH group vs. Palpation group) were identified from electronic databases including PubMed, Embase, Medline, google scholar, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to July 5, 2020. The primary outcome was the accuracy of both techniques. Four studies published from 2018 to 2020 were considered relevant and were read in full. We found no significant difference in success rate of CTM identification [Risk Ratio (RR) 1.09, 95% CI 0.89-1.34, p = 0.41] between the two groups. These preliminary results of the current study demonstrated no significant differences in success rate between the laryngeal handshake and conventional palpation techniques in cricothyroid membrane identification.

Ultrasound for airway management: An evidence-based review for the emergency clinician.

BACKGROUND: Airway management is a common procedure performed in the Emergency Department with significant potential for complications. Many of the traditional physical examination maneuvers have limitations in the assessment and management of difficult airways. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has been increasingly studied for the evaluation and management of the airway in a variety of settings. OBJECTIVE: This article summarizes the current literature on POCUS for airway assessment, intubation confirmation, endotracheal tube (ETT) depth assessment, and performing cricothyroidotomy with an emphasis on those components most relevant for the Emergency Medicine clinician. DISCUSSION: POCUS can be a useful tool for identifying difficult airways by measuring the distance from the skin to the thyrohyoid membrane, hyoid bone, or epiglottis. It can also predict ETT size better than age-based formulae. POCUS is highly accurate for confirming ETT placement in adult and pediatric patients. The typical approach involves transtracheal visualization but can also include lung sliding and diaphragmatic elevation. ETT depth can be assessed by visualizing the ETT cuff in the trachea, as well as using lung sliding and the lung pulse sign. Finally, POCUS can identify the cricothyroid membrane more quickly and accurately than the landmark-based approach. CONCLUSION: Airway management is a core skill in the Emergency Department. POCUS can be a valuable tool with applications ranging from airway assessment to dynamic cricothyroidotomy. This paper summarizes the key literature on POCUS for airway management.

Complications of cricothyroidotomy versus tracheostomy in emergency surgical airway management: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Airway guidelines recommend an emergency surgical airway as a potential life-saving treatment in a "Can't Intubate, Can't Oxygenate" (CICO) situation. Surgical airways can be achieved either through a cricothyroidotomy or tracheostomy. The current literature has limited data regarding complications of cricothyroidotomy and tracheostomy in an emergency situation. The objective of this systematic review is to analyze complications following cricothyroidotomy and tracheostomy in airway emergencies. METHODS: This synthesis of literature was exempt from ethics approval. Eight databases were searched from inception to October 2018, using a comprehensive search strategy. Studies were included if they were randomized controlled trials or observational studies reporting complications following emergency surgical airway. Complications were classified as minor (evolving to spontaneous remission or not requiring intervention or not persisting chronically), major (requiring intervention or persisting chronically), early (from the start of the procedure up to 7 days) and late (beyond 7 days of the procedure). RESULTS: We retrieved 2659 references from our search criteria. Following the removal of duplicates, title and abstract review, 33 articles were selected for full-text reading. Twenty-one articles were finally included in the systematic review. We found no differences in minor, major or early complications between the two techniques. However, late complications were significantly more frequent in the tracheostomy group [OR (95% CI) 0.21 (0.20-0.22), p < 0.0001]. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that cricothyroidotomies performed in emergent situations resulted in fewer late complications than tracheostomies. This finding supports the recommendations from the latest Difficult Airway Society (DAS) guidelines regarding using cricothyroidotomy as the technique of choice for emergency surgical airway. However, emergency cricothyroidotomies should be converted to tracheostomies in a timely fashion as there is insufficient evidence to suggest that emergency cricothyrotomies are long term airways.

The effect of i-gel® insertion on the accuracy of cricothyroid membrane identification in adult females: a prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Identification of the cricothyroid membrane is frequently inaccurate in females because of less distinct anatomy compared with males. Supraglottic airway devices cause ventral displacement of the laryngeal structures. We investigated if this would impact on the accuracy of cricothyroid membrane identification using palpation. METHODS: We recruited 64 adult females who underwent assessment by volunteer participants with and without a sited i-gel® supraglottic airway device. The primary outcome was accuracy in identifying the cricothyroid membrane. Secondary outcomes included distance from participant estimate to actual cricothyroid membrane location and perceived difficulty using a visual analogue scale. Ultrasound images were analysed to determine the effect of the i-gel® on the anatomical structures relevant to cricothyroidotomy. RESULTS: The cricothyroid membrane was identified correctly in 42/64 subjects with the i-gel® in place (66%) vs 23/64 of controls (36%; P<0.001, mean difference 30%; 95% confidence interval, 12-47%). VAS (P<0.001) and distance to the cricothyroid membrane (P<0.001) decreased in the intervention group. Analysis of the ultrasound image series showed a reduction in the mean angle between the cricothyroid membrane and anterior wall of the trachea in the i-gel® group, because of the more ventral position of the cricoid cartilage compared with control images (166° vs 151°, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of the i-gel® improved accuracy of identifying the cricothyroid membrane using palpation in females. The cricoid cartilage was pushed ventrally by the i-gel® in the hypopharynx, creating a more palpable prominence. It may therefore be advantageous to retain a sited supraglottic airway, rather than remove it, before performing emergency cricothyroidotomy.

Emergency cricothyroidotomy: an observational study to estimate optimal incision position and length.

BACKGROUND: A vertical incision is recommended for cricothyroidotomy when the anatomy is impalpable, but no evidence-based guideline exists regarding optimum site or length. The Difficult Airway Society guidelines, which are based on expert opinion, recommend an 80-100 mm vertical caudad to cephalad incision in the extended neck position. However, the guidelines do not advise the incision commencement point. We sought to determine the minimum incision length and commencement point above the suprasternal notch required to ensure that the cricothyroid membrane would be accessible within its margins. METHODS: We measured using ultrasound, in 80 subjects (40 males and 40 females) without airway pathology, the distance between the suprasternal notch and the cricothyroid membrane, in the neutral and extended neck positions. We assessed the inclusion of the cricothyroid membrane within theoretical incisions of 0-100 mm in length made at 10 mm intervals above the suprasternal notch. RESULTS: In the 80 subjects, the distance ranged from 27 to 105 mm. Movement of the cricothyroid membrane on transition from the neutral to extended neck position varied from 15 mm caudad to 27 mm cephalad. The minimum incision required in the extended position was 70 mm in males and 80 mm in females, commencing 30 mm above the suprasternal notch. CONCLUSIONS: An 80 mm incision commencing 30 mm above the suprasternal notch would include all cricothyroid membrane locations in the extended position in patients without airway pathology, which is in keeping with the Difficult Airway Society guidelines recommended incision length.

Performance of emergency surgical front of neck airway access by head and neck surgeons, general surgeons, or anaesthetists: an in situ simulation study.

BACKGROUND: The 'cannot intubate cannot oxygenate' (CICO) emergency requires urgent front of neck airway (FONA) access to prevent death. In cases reported to the 4th National Audit Project, the most successful FONA was a surgical technique, almost all of which were performed by surgeons. Subsequently, UK guidelines adopted surgical cricothyroidotomy as the preferred emergency surgical FONA technique. Despite regular skills-based training, anaesthetists may still be unwilling to perform an emergency surgical FONA. Consultant anaesthetists, head and neck surgeons, and general surgeons were compared in a high-fidelity simulated emergency. We hypothesised that head and neck surgeons would successfully execute emergency surgical FONA faster than anaesthetists and general surgeons. METHODS: We recruited 15 consultants from each specialty (total of 45) at a single tertiary care hospital in the UK. All agreed to participate in an in situ high-fidelity simulation of an 'anaesthetic emergency'. Participants were not told in advance that this would be a CICO scenario. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in total time to successful ventilation between anaesthetists, head and neck surgeons and general surgeons (median 86 vs 98 vs 126 s, respectively, P=0.078). Anaesthetists completed the emergency surgical FONA procedure significantly faster than general surgeons (median 50 vs 86 s, P=0.018). Despite this strong performance, qualitative data suggested some anaesthetists still believed 'surgeons' best placed to perform emergency surgical FONA in a genuine CICO situation. CONCLUSION: Anaesthetists regularly trained in emergency surgical FONA function at levels comparable with head and neck surgeons and should feel empowered to lead this procedure in the event of a CICO emergency.

Percutaneous vs surgical emergency cricothyroidotomy: An experimental randomized crossover study on an animal-larynx model.

BACKGROUND: Airway management is a paramount clinical skill for the anaesthesiologist. The Emergency Cricothyroidotomy (EC) constitutes the final step in difficult airway algorithms securing a patent airway via a front-of-neck access. The main distinction among available techniques is whether the procedure is surgical and scalpel-based or percutaneous and needle-based. METHODS: In an experimental randomized crossover trial, using an animal larynx model, we compared two EC techniques; the Rapid Four Step Technique and the Melker Emergency Cricothyrotomy Kit®. We assessed time expenditure and success rates among 20 anaesthesiologists and related this to previous training, seniority and clinical experience with EC. RESULTS: All participants achieved successful airway access with both methods. Average time to successful airway access for scalpel-based EC was 54 (±31) seconds and for percutaneous EC 89 (±38) seconds, with 35 (95% CI: 14-57) seconds time difference, P = .003. Doctors with recent (<12 months) EC training performed better compared to the non-training group (37 vs 61 seconds, P = .03 for scalpel-based EC, and 65 vs 99 seconds, P = .02 for percutaneous EC). We found no differences according to clinical seniority or previous real-life EC experience. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrated that anaesthesiologists achieved successful airway access on an animal experimental model with both EC methods within a reasonable time frame, but the scalpel-based EC is performed more promptly. Recent EC training affected the time expenditure positively, while seniority and clinical EC experience did not. EC procedures should be regularly trained for.

A trial comparing emergency front of neck airway performance in a novel obese-synthetic neck, meat-modified obese neck and conventional slim manikin.

Conventional emergency front of neck airway training manikins mimic slim patients and are associated with unrealistic procedural ease. We have described previously a pork belly-modified manikin that more realistically simulated an obese patient's neck. In this study, we compared a novel obese-synthetic manikin (obese-synthetic manikin) with a pork belly-modified manikin (obese-meat manikin) and a conventional slim manikin (slim manikin). Thirty-three experienced anaesthetists undertook simulated emergency front of neck airway procedures on each manikin (total 99 procedures). Time to ventilation was longer on both obese manikins compared with the slim manikin (median (IQR [range]) time to intubation 159 (126-243 [73-647]) s in the obese-synthetic, 105 (72-138 [43-279]) s in the obese-meat and 58 (47-74 [30-370]) s in the slim manikin; p < 0.001 between each manikin). Cricothyroidotomy success rate was similar in the both obese manikins but lower when compared with the slim manikin (15/33 obese-synthetic vs. 14/33 obese-meat vs. 27/33 slim manikin). Participant feedback indicated performance difficulty was similar between both obese manikins, which were both more difficult than the slim manikin. The tissues of the obese-meat manikin were judged more realistic than those of either other manikin. Overall, the obese-synthetic manikin performed broadly similarly to the obese-meat manikin and was technically more difficult than the conventional slim manikin. The novel obese-synthetic manikin maybe useful for training and research in front of neck airway procedures.

Ultrasonographic identification of the cricothyroid membrane in a patient with a difficult airway as a result of cervical hematoma caused by hemophilia: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Surgical cricothyroidotomy is a last resort in patients with an anticipated difficult airway, but without any guarantee of success. Identification of the cricothyroid membrane may be the key to successful cricothyrotomy. Ultrasonographic identification of the cricothyroid membrane has been reported to be more useful than the conventional palpation technique. However, ultrasonographic identification techniques are not yet fully characterized. CASE PRESENTATION: A 28-year-old man with hemophilia and poor adherence to medication. He was brought to the emergency department with a large cervical hematoma and respiratory difficulty. An otolaryngologist decided to insert a tracheal tube to maintain his airway. However, emergent laryngoscopy indicated an anticipated difficult airway. A backup plan that included awake intubation by the anesthesiologists and surgical cricothyroidotomy by an otolaryngologist was devised. The cricothyroid membrane could not be identified by palpation but was detected by ultrasonographic identification with a longitudinal approach. Awake fiberoptic intubation was successfully performed. CONCLUSIONS: In this case, the cricothyroid membrane could be identified using the longitudinal approach but not the transverse approach. It may be ideal to know which ultrasound technique can be applied for each patient.

Perfecting practice: a protocol for assessing simulation-based mastery learning and deliberate practice versus self-guided practice for bougie-assisted cricothyroidotomy performance.

BACKGROUND: Simulation-based medical education (SBME) is a cornerstone for procedural skill training in residency education. Multiple studies have concluded that SBME is highly effective, superior to traditional clinical education, and translates to improved patient outcomes. Additionally it is widely accepted that mastery learning, which comprises deliberate practice, is essential for expert level performance for routine skills; however, given that highly structured practice is more time and resource-intensive, it is important to assess its value for the acquisition of rarely performed technical skills. The bougie-assisted cricothyroidotomy (BAC), a rarely performed, lifesaving procedure, is an ideal skill for evaluating the utility of highly structured practice as it is relevant across many acute care specialties and rare - making it unlikely for learners to have had significant previous training or clinical experience. The purpose of this study is to compare a modified mastery learning approach with deliberate practice versus self-guided practice on technical skill performance using a bougie-assisted cricothyroidotomy model. METHODS: A multi-centre, randomized study will be conducted at four Canadian and one American residency programs with 160 residents assigned to either mastery learning and deliberate practice (ML + DP), or self-guided practice for BAC. Skill performance, using a global rating scale, will be assessed before, immediately after practice, and 6 months later. The two groups will be compared to assess whether the type of practice impacts performance and skill retention. DISCUSSION: Mastery learning coupled with deliberate practice provides systematic and focused feedback during skill acquisition. However, it is resource-intensive and its efficacy is not fully defined. This multi-centre study will provide generalizable data about the utility of highly structured practice for technical skill acquisition of a rare, lifesaving procedure within postgraduate medical education. Study findings will guide educators in the selection of an optimal training strategy, addressing both short and long term performance.

Laryngeal handshake technique in locating the cricothyroid membrane: a non-randomised comparative study.

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of the anterior neck anatomy is used to identify the cricothyroid membrane (CTM) before front of neck airway access. This has been traditionally performed using palpation which results in misidentification of the CTM in a high proportion of subjects. The 'laryngeal handshake' is currently advocated by the Difficult Airway Society as the method to identify the CTM. We sought to investigate the accuracy of this technique in females. METHODS: Five clinicians were asked to identify the CTM using the 'laryngeal handshake' technique in a total of 45 anaesthetised females (Group L) and by conventional palpation in 45 controls (Group P). We measured and analysed the distance to actual CTM using ultrasound, the time to identification, and perceived difficulty using a visual analogue scale. RESULTS: Successful identification of the CTM occurred in 28/45 (62%) patients in Group L vs 15/45 (33%) in Group P [P=0.006; mean difference, 29%; 95% confidence interval (CI), 21-39%]. Distance to the CTM (P=0.012) and visual analogue scale (P=0.012) were significantly reduced in Group L. Mean time to CTM identification was greater in Group L at 31 (5.6) s, compared with Group P, which took 18 (5.5) s (P<0.001). The midline was accurately identified more frequently in Group L than in Group P (39/45 vs 28/45, P=0.008). CONCLUSIONS: The 'laryngeal handshake' method of palpation is more accurate but takes longer than conventional palpation technique in locating the CTM and the midline. This is of particular relevance if a vertical incision is required to perform front of neck access when anatomy is indistinct.

Evaluation of a novel cricothyroidotomy introducer in a simulated obese porcine model: a randomised crossover comparison with scalpel cricothyroidotomy.

The Difficult Airway Society 2015 guidelines for management of unanticipated difficulties in tracheal intubation in adults have generated much discussion regarding Plan D: emergency front-of-neck access with a scalpel-bougie cricothyroidotomy technique. There is concern that this technique may not provide an adequate pathway for the bougie and subsequently the tracheal tube, especially in obese patients with deeper airway structures. This could lead to the formation of a false passage, trauma and failure. A novel cricothyroidotomy introducer, 8 mm wide and 170 mm long, with a sharp leading edge and guiding channel to pass a bougie into the trachea, has been designed to complement the scalpel cricothyroidotomy technique. A comparison study of the use of this novel introducer with the scalpel technique in a simulated obese porcine laryngeal model demonstrated shorter insertion times (median (IQR [range]) 85 (65-123 [48-224]) s vs. 84 (72-184 [46-377]) s, p = 0.030). All 26 (100%) participants successfully performed cricothyroidotomy in the introducer group, whereas only 24 (92%) participants were successful in the scalpel group. The introducer group required fewer attempts to access the trachea compared with the scalpel group (p = 0.046). False passages occurred eight (31%) times in the introducer group compared with 17 (65%) times in the scalpel group (p = 0.022). There were no statistical differences in tracheal trauma (p = 0.490), ease of use (p = 0.220) and device preference (p = 0.240). This novel cricothyroidotomy introducer has shown promising results in securing the airway in an emergency front-of-neck access situation. With robust training, this introducer could potentially be complementary to the scalpel-bougie cricothyroidotomy technique.

Ultrasound-guided identification of the cricothyroid membrane in a patient with a difficult airway: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Surgical cricothyroidotomy is considered to be the last resort for management of the difficult airway. A major point for a successful surgical cricothyroidotomy is to identify the location of the cricothyroid membrane. CASE PRESENTATION: We encountered a patient with progressive respiratory distress who was anticipated to have a difficult airway due to a large neck abscess. We prepared for both awake intubation and surgical cricothyroidotomy. The cricothyroid membrane could not be identified by palpation, but was readily identified using ultrasound. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided identification of the cricothyroid membrane may be useful in a patient with a difficult airway due to neck swelling.

Enhancement of Cricothyroidotomy Education Using a Novel Technique: Cadaver Autografting.

BACKGROUND: Cricothyroidotomy is a lifesaving procedure required in up to 2% of emergent airways. Emergency medicine training programs frequently instruct this procedure via cadaver training, but cadaver cost and availability limit the opportunity for all trainees to perform the critical initial skin incision. Cadaver autografting is a novel way to simulate all steps of the procedure. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to determine whether the technique of autografting cadaver tissue improves the experience of cricothyroidotomy simulation education for emergency medicine trainees. The investigators hypothesized that autografted cadaver tissue would be a useful adjunct. METHODS: In this prospective crossover study, volunteers were randomized to first perform cricothyroidotomy on previously incised native neck tissue or on autografted tissue, and then vice versa. The autograft consisted of cadaver iliotibial band covered with lateral thigh skin and subcutaneous tissue to simulate cricothyroid membrane and native anterior neck anatomy. Volunteer emergency medicine residents and sub-interns were included. Twenty-seven residents and nine students participated. Outcomes were evaluated via Likert scale. RESULTS: Thirty of 36 (83%) participants agreed or strongly agreed that they preferred cadaver autografting to the previously incised native tissue. Thirty-two of 36 (89%) agreed or strongly agreed that cadaver autografting was useful vs. 23 of 36 (64%) who answered similarly regarding previously incised native tissue (p = 0.001). Twenty-six of 36 (72%) were more comfortable with cricothyroidotomy in the emergency department after using cadaver autografting vs. 19 of 36 (53%) after using the native tissue (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Autografted cadaver tissue while simulating cricothyroidotomy was perceived to be a useful adjunct by the majority of participating emergency medicine trainees.