[Emergency tracheotomy in Göttingen minipigs. Comparison: standard technique versus Nu-Trake cricothyrotomy set]

To compare the time required, success rate and complication rate of the standard surgical approach for cricothyrotomy versus a prepacked kit in regard to the experience of the surgeon.

The cricothyrotomies were performed in Goettingen mini-pigs (n = 14) under general anaesthesia. 7 different surgeons (2 Otorhinolaryngologists, 2 Emergency Physicians, 3 medical students) used each technique (standard surgical approach and Nu-Trake device) once to perform the cricothyrotomy without prior practice.

The fastest time to do the cricothyrotomy with Nu-Trake was 40 s, the slowest 93 s and the mean time of all 7 surgeons was 58 +/- 18 s. Using the standard approach it took 42 s up to 154 s until ventilation with a mean time of 106 +/- 48 s. The use of Nu-Trake was significantly faster than the standard surgical approach (p < 0.05, t-test). Otorhinolaryngologists were quicker using the standard technique (46 s versus 58 s with Nu-Trake), whereas each surgeon of the other two groups (emergency physicians and medical students) was quicker with the Nu-Trake Set (58 +/- 21 s) than with the conventional method (135 +/- 18 s). The number of complications was similar with both methods, but a difference was detected in the type and severity of the complication: An injury of the posterior tracheal wall was observed twice with Nu-Trake.

Experienced personnel should maintain the standard surgical approach for cricothyrotomy. Inexperienced personnel can use the Nu-Trake device which was found to be quicker as it facilitates the procedure, but causes more severe complications. We recommend to practise cricothyrotomy regularly in human cadavers, in the animal model if possible or on mannequins to be sufficiently trained in advanced airway management.