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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
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NetWellness provides the highest quality health information and education services created and evaluated by faculty of our partner universities.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
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Emergency airway punctureDefinitionEmergency airway puncture is an emergency insertion of a hollow needle into the airway (larynx). It is used to treat life-threatening choking. Alternative NamesNeedle cricothyrotomyDescriptionIn an emergency situation, when someone is choking and all other efforts to assist with breathing have failed, a hollow needle can be inserted into the throat, just below the Adam's apple (cricoid cartilage). In hospital settings, a small skin incision may be made before inserting the needle or tube. Why the Procedure is PerformedA cricothyrotomy is recommended as an emergency procedure to relieve an airway obstruction until surgical placement of a breathing tube (tracheostomy) can be done. RecoverySee: Tracheostomy Outlook (Prognosis)Emergency airway puncture (cricothyrotomy) can be quite effective in relieving an airway obstruction. RisksRisks for any surgery are:
Additional risks include trauma to the larynx, thyroid gland, or esophagus.
Review Date: 7/25/2007 Reviewed By: James L. Demetroulakos, M.D., F.A.C.S., Department of Otolaryngology, North Shore Medical Center, Salem, MA. Clinical Instructor in Otology and Laryngology, Harvard Medical School. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.  |
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