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An emergency
procedure, needle cricothyrotomy involves puncturing the skin between the
cricoid and thyroid cartilages to access the trachea and establish an airway.
Also Known As:
Conditions Treated with Needle Cricothyrotomy:
A needle cricothyrotomy may be performed in cases of anaphylaxis, failed oral and nasal intubation, facial trauma and a foreign object blocking the airway.
.jpg "Needle Cricothyrotomy by OrangeCountySurgeons.org (2)")
There are no
comparable non-surgical alternatives to needle cricothyrotomy. Cricothyrotomy
is a surgical alternative to the procedure.
Anesthesia with Needle Cricothyrotomy:
No anesthesia is used with needle cricothyrotomy. It is performed while the patient is unconscious.
Potential Complications from Needle Cricothyrotomy:
Possible risks following needle cricothyrotomy include bleeding, thyroid membrane perforation, larynx damage, laryngeal nerve injury, subglottic stenosis, tracheal stenosis, pulmonary aspiration, esophageal fistula, fracture of thyroid cartilage and hoarse voice.
Prognosis after Needle Cricothyrotomy:
The prognosis for a positive end result following needle cricothyrotomy is very good.
