Advanced
Technical
IVT
emergent cricothyrotomy
Pronunciation: cry-co-thy-ROT-oh-mee
Urgent surgical airway procedure through the cricothyroid membrane when standard intubation fails.
Full Definition
A life-saving emergency procedure involving surgical incision through the cricothyroid membrane to establish an airway when conventional intubation methods have failed or are contraindicated. The procedure is performed using either surgical technique with scalpel and tracheostomy tube or percutaneous technique with needle and catheter. Emergent cricothyrotomy is indicated in 'cannot intubate, cannot ventilate' scenarios and requires immediate conversion to formal tracheostomy when patient condition permits.
Usage
Usage note: Document technique used (surgical vs. percutaneous) and conversion plans.
In Context
- "Failed intubation attempts necessitated emergent cricothyrotomy to secure the airway." — Emergency medicine procedure note
- "Emergent cricothyrotomy was successfully performed using the surgical technique with immediate improvement in oxygenation." — Trauma surgery consultation
Also known as
surgical cricothyroidotomy
emergency surgical airway
Contrasted with
elective tracheostomy
standard intubation
Don't confuse with
needle cricothyrotomy
percutaneous tracheostomy