cricothyrotomy
Pronunciation: kry-koh-THY-rot-oh-mee
An emergency surgical airway technique involving incision through the cricothyroid membrane to establish ventilation when conventional airway management has failed.
Full Definition
Cricothyrotomy (also spelled cricothyroidotomy in some style guides) is the procedure of last resort in a 'cannot intubate, cannot oxygenate' scenario encountered in dental anesthesia practice. The cricothyroid membrane, located between the thyroid and cricoid cartilages, is incised to allow insertion of a tube or catheter for oxygenation and ventilation. Dental anesthesiologists must be credentialed in this technique under office-based sedation regulations in many jurisdictions. Editors should note the two accepted spellings and choose one consistently; 'cricothyrotomy' is the more common surgical shorthand while 'cricothyroidotomy' is the anatomically precise form.
Usage
Usage note: Both 'cricothyrotomy' and 'cricothyroidotomy' are acceptable; editors must pick one and apply it consistently. Do not conflate with tracheotomy, which involves the trachea rather than the cricothyroid membrane.
In Context
- "The office emergency protocol included a cricothyrotomy kit and annual simulation training for all sedation providers." — Sedation practice policy document
- "Authors used 'cricothyrotomy' throughout; the editor standardized to this spelling per journal house style." — Editorial decision log