Cricothyroidotomy and tracheostomy
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Cricothyroidotomy
- Involves creating an airway via the space between thyroid and cricoid cartilages
- The skin, subcutaneous connective tissue and median cricothyroid ligament are divided to establish the airway.
- Can be performed either with scalpel incision or needle methods.
- For establishing airway in short term.
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Cricothyroidotomy is a stoma made by incising the cricothyroid membrame (ligament) which lies between the thyroid and cricoid cartilages. Tracheostomy is typically made by incising between the 2nd and 3rd tracheal rings
Tracheostomy
- A cricothyroidotomy will typically be converted to a tracheostomy if there is a longer term need for an airway here.
- Often performed in theatre rather than emergency setting but knowledge is required
- Typically placed between 2nd and 3rd tracheal rings but may be a level above or below.