Cricothyroidotomy: comparison of three different techniques on a porcine airway

We compared three different cricothyroidotomy techniques on a cadaveric porcine airway model to determine the most rapid, successful and safe method in emergency situations. In this observational comparative bench-test, surgical or scalpel cricothyroidotomy (ST), Cook Melker Cricothyrotomy Kit (CM) and Portex Cricothyroidotomy Kit (PCK) were evaluated. After a familiarisation program, four operators performed five procedures using each of the techniques. A dissected pig airway was housed in an airway training manikin. Time to successful completion of the procedure, complications and anatomical variations in the pig larynx were recorded. A patent airway was established in 20 of 20 (100%) attempts with CM technique, 11 of 20 (55%) with ST and six of 20 (30%) with PCK technique. The CM technique was associated with a higher success rate (P <0.001). There was no significant difference (P=0.4) in the median time (interquartile range) taken to achieve a patent airway; CM 50 seconds (40 to 57), ST 47 seconds (41 to 55) and PCK 63 seconds (41 to 150). There was a higher rate of posterior tracheal wall injury with the PCK technique (n=11) and ST technique (n=5). No complications were observed with CM technique. There were no significant anatomical variations in the pig larynxes. We conclude that the CM technique is safe, rapid and has a significantly higher success rate in achieving an artificial airway in this airway model. Overall, all the participants in our study preferred to use this kit in an emergency situation.