Loading...
Cricothyrotomy is a rare procedure, and it is becoming more so given the increasing adoption of video laryngoscopy. However, it remains an essential skill, not only as a rescue procedure for a failed airway, but also as a planned — and prepared for — option when intubating patients with predictably difficult airways. While there are a number of landmark techniques for identification of the cricothyroid membrane, their accuracy is unknown. This study compared three techniques (general palpation, four-finger, and neck crease) to each other and to ultrasound (the reference standard).
Each of 50 adult emergency department patients awaiting further care was assessed by a convenience sample of three emergency physicians who were randomly assigned …