Abstract
Tracheostomy and cricothyrotomy are means of access to the respiratory tract in upper
airway obstruction. Their safe performance relies on accurate anatomical knowledge
of the region. The easily palpable gap between the thyroid and cricoid cartilages
demarcates the tough cricothyroid ligament that lies safely distal to the vocal cords
and is the site for cricothyrotomy. Tracheostomy, either between or dividing the upper
rings of the trachea, is carried out by open operation or by the percutaneous route.
In these procedures it is essential to have the head fully extended to keep exactly
to the midline to protect vital lateral structures.
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Further reading
- Anatomy for anaesthetists.8th edn. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 2004
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Copyright
© 2011 Published by Elsevier Inc.
