Cricothyrotomy using a Mini-Trach cannula (emergency tracheotomy).
Obstruction of the upper airway due to a foreign body, angioedema, infection or trauma, for example, may have an immediately life-threatening effect. If the patient's ventilation is insufficient and the airway cannot be secured by other means (incl. intubation), ventilation must be secured by cricothyrotomy.
In this video, a Mini-Trach cannula is used to perform cricothyrotomy. This way, a temporary airway can be rapidly established, giving time to transfer the patient for further treatment. In addition to the cannula, the Mini-Trach kit contains a short-blade scalpel appropriate for the purpose and an introducer. If such equipment is not available, cricothyrotomy can also be performed using a scalpel and an intubation tube (see the video ”Cricothyrotomy using an intubation tube” Cricothyrotomy Using an Intubation Tube (Emergency Tracheotomy).
Video and text: Tatu Kemppainen
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