A cricothyrotomy, or cric, is a procedure to make an airway when you can’t get oxygen in any other way. This emergency procedure can save your life, but it carries some risk. It involves making a hole in your neck to put a tube into it. Most people who need this have traumatic injuries.
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A cricothyrotomy (cric) is an emergency procedure that quickly creates an airway when you can’t breathe or get oxygen any other way. To do this, a healthcare provider puts a tube through a small cut in your neck’s cricothyroid membrane and into your windpipe.
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A trained provider — like an emergency physician, trauma surgeon or paramedic — may perform this lifesaving procedure. They can do this if you’ve had severe trauma to your face or neck. They may also use it if you have heavy bleeding, vomiting or swelling that keeps you from getting a breathing tube. People rarely need this.
Providers generally use a cricothyrotomy for people 10 and older. They use other methods for younger children.
In most cases, a healthcare provider will seek your consent before performing this procedure. But in an emergency, there may not be time to discuss the risks and benefits. In these situations, they may perform the procedure without consent to save your life.
To perform this procedure, a healthcare provider will:
There are other ways to do it, but this method is common.
With practice, it only takes about one minute to perform a cricothyrotomy. People rarely need this procedure. But training helps ensure providers can perform it effectively in an emergency.
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A cricothyrotomy is faster and needs less equipment than a tracheostomy. But complications can happen in as many as 5 out of 10 cases.
Possible complications include:
Later, you can have scarring, voice changes or trouble swallowing. Despite these risks, an emergency cricothyrotomy can save your life.
After the procedure, healthcare providers will keep checking to make sure you’re getting enough oxygen. They’ll also check your blood pressure and heart rate. If you need a cric, it’s likely because of trauma. A team of providers will work to fix your injuries.
Within 24 to 72 hours, a provider may convert the cric to a tracheostomy for longer-term airway support. This can help reduce some complications. But in some cases, a cricothyrotomy can be effective for a short period.
Recovery after an emergency cricothyrotomy varies. Some people may go home after a short hospital stay. Others may need a longer stay. It depends on the reason for the procedure. Often, people who need this have had a cardiac arrest or major trauma. Those are the primary concerns that will guide the next steps in care.
If a loved one needs a cricothyrotomy, it can be a frightening experience. Providers do this procedure when other ways to provide oxygen have failed. It can be lifesaving.
Watching a healthcare provider place a tube may be difficult. But the provider’s goal is to restore oxygen. Once the emergency is over, the care team can answer your questions and explain the next steps.
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Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
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