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The dreaded “can’t intubate, can’t ventilate” scenario usually mandates cricothyrotomy, but which technique is best? A 2007 manikin study showed that cricothyrotomy, using the percutaneous Melker kit, took longer and had a higher failure rate than did open surgery or other percutaneous techniques (JW Emerg Med Oct 24 2008), whereas a 2008 cadaver study showed the Melker kit to be superior (JW Emerg Med Feb 1 2000). Now, authors compare four methods in the largest cricothyrotomy study to date using fresh cadavers.
Sixty-three German senior medical students were randomly assigned to perform cricothyrotomy (1 cadaver per student) by one of four methods: the traditional surgical technique, a surgical technique involving use of novel scissors sha…