Ventilation and oxygenation after emergency cricothyrotomy: Recommendations for the management of suboptimal invasive airway access

Invasive airway access by emergent cricothyrotomy remains an essential treatment modality in “can’t intubate/can’t ventilate” scenarios. Although numerous commercial devices are available, limited comparative data exist with regard to the ventilation and oxygenation parameters of these devices. We report a case of severely compromised respiratory function while using the Quicktrach ii, a commercially available emergency cricothyrotomy device. Because of oxygenation and ventilatory insufficiency, our patient required emergent removal of the device and surgical tracheostomy to improve respiratory function. When confronted with a difficult airway, anesthesiologists and surgeons should be aware of commonly encountered cricothyrotomy devices and their potential limitations.