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Alternative names Return to top
Emergency airway puncture; Needle cricothyrotomyDefinition Return to top
This is an emergency incision, or insertion of a hollow needle, into the airway (larynx). It is used to treat life-threatening choking.
Description Return to top
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 Return to top
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 Return to top
Risks for any surgery are:
Additional risks include:
Expectations after surgery Return to top
Emergency airway puncture (cricothyrotomy) can be quite effective in relieving an airway obstruction.
Convalescence Return to top
See tracheostomy.
Update Date: 10/27/2003 Updated by: James L. Demetroulakos M.D. F.A.C.S., Department Of Otolaryngology, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Clinical Instructor in Otology and Laryngology Harvard Medical School. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |