Coniotomy

Coniotomy is an surgical invasive procedure, where an incision (punction) is made through the skin and cricothyroid membrane, used for establishing a patients airway for oxygenation and ventilation during life threatening situations.

This method of securing the airways is not intended for long-term securing of the airways. Coniotomy is a procedure that we perform in emergent situations, in order to ensure oxygenation and ventilation, in situations where no other way of securing the airways is possible.

This procedure is always used in a "cannot intubate, cannot ventilate" situation. In emergency medicine, this procedure has no contraindications, and it is performed in life threatening situations. 

Different equipments are available for coniotomy e.g.:

Quick Trach I, Portex

Quick Trach II