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Conicotomy
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
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Conicotomy (cricothyrotomy) involves opening the cricothyroid membrane when tracheal intubation is impossible or there is obstruction in the larynx. The main advantages of this method are the simplicity of technical implementation and the speed of implementation (compared to tracheostomy). In some cases, airway patency is achieved by puncturing the cricothyroid membrane with a thick needle (puncture conicotomy).
To make conicotomy quick and easy, special kits and devices have been created - conicotomes. The kit includes a scalpel with a limited-length blade, a plastic introducer, a 4 mm diameter cannula without a cuff, a sanitation catheter, a 15 mm connector for connection to a ventilator, and a tape for fixing the cannula. Such devices allow the cannula to be installed in the lumen of the trachea without loss of time and with minimal risk of complications.
The conicotome needle with a search probe and indicator chamber allows you to control all stages of the manipulation, preventing damage to the posterior wall of the trachea.
To simplify and increase safety during such a procedure as conicotomy, a method of dilatational tracheostomy has been developed. It is proposed as an alternative to the classical surgical method and is characterized by maximum atraumaticity, simple technique and speed of execution.
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