The incidence of vasculature at risk during cricothyroidostomy

In this study, the region anterior to the cricothyroid membrane of 34 adult cadavers was dissected. Vascular patterns, including vessel type, diameter, and position were recorded. Twenty-seven cadavers (79%) had vascular structures within this area. Twenty-one (62%) had vertically oriented arteries or veins that would be at risk during cricothyroidostomy.