Seldinger Cricothyrotomy Kit Preferred to New Tube-over-Needle Device

Researchers compared a long-established Seldinger method cricothyrotomy kit (Melker Cricothyrotomy kit; see Journal Watch Emergency Medicine Feb 1 2000) with a new tube-over-needle device that has a novel indicator for identifying tracheal entry (Portex Cricothyroidotomy kit, PCK). The study was partially supported by the distributor of the PCK.

After watching a short training video, 64 anesthesiologists performed cricothyrotomy with each device, in random order, five times on anatomically correct cricothyrotomy simulator manikins. Both devices require an initial vertical skin incision. The Melker kit uses standard Seldinger technique to insert a 5-mm ID cuffed tube. The PCK uses a needle with a red flag indicator that shows when the needle’…