Work

A paramedian approach to cricothyroidotomy as a novel method of emergency airway management: A case report

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The needle cricothyroidotomy is a method of emergency Front of neck access of airway, that is used in patients who cannot be intubated and cannot be oxygenated. Midline approach is the commonly and conventionally followed method, for which the identification of the cricothyroid membrane in midline is the pre-requisite. Hereby, we discuss the emergency airway management of a patient with diagnosis of advanced hypopharyngeal carcinoma and status post-radiotherapy to neck, presented with acute respiratory distress and stridor. In view of unidentifiable anatomy in midline, a novel paramedian approach for needle cricothyroidotomy was used. We propose a novel paramedian approach to cricothyroidotomy as an alternative to the traditional median approach, providing a newer option for emergency airway management.

Source: JCA advances.

DOI: 10.1016/j.jcadva.2026.100214

Authors: A.R. Dinesh Kumar, Hemanthkumar Tamilchelvan, Upma Chugh, Navneh Samagh

Institution: All India Institute of Medical Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Airway Management and Intubation Techniques

Subfield: Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,200