Alternative names
Emergency airway puncture; Needle cricothyrotomy

Definition

This is an emergency incision, or insertion of a hollow needle, into the airway (larynx). It is used to treat life-threatening choking.

Description

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

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

Risks for any surgery are:

 
• Bleeding  
• Infection

Additional risks include:

 
• Trauma to the larynx, thyroid gland, or esophagus

Expectations after surgery

Emergency airway puncture (cricothyrotomy) can be quite effective in relieving an airway obstruction.

Convalescence

See tracheostomy.

Medical Encyclopedia

All ArmMed Media material is provided for information only and is neither advice nor a substitute for proper medical care. Consult a qualified healthcare professional who understands your particular history for individual concerns.