A pilot study evaluating the utility of a novel tube cricothyrotomy technique in providing ventilation in small animals using a live porcine model

Abstract

Background Tube cricothyrotomy has been suggested as a first-choice for emergency surgical airway access in small animals, rather than the more commonly accepted procedures of tracheotomy and needle cricothyrotomy. Methods A small pilot study of tube cricothyrotomy in a live porcine model was conducted to evaluate this method. The technique was modified to permit the use of commonly available equipment and ease of application. Following ethics approval, a tube cricothyrotomy was performed on 9 live pigs. The endpoints were the efficacy of ventilation through the tube as measured by end-tidal carbon dioxide, successful placement of the tube and the time taken for placement. Results Of the nine pigs, eight had a tube placed successfully, with the median procedure time being 111.5 seconds (range: 35-240 seconds). After 10 mins, the mean end-tidal carbon dioxide was 58.3 mmHg (95% CI: 55.2-61.3 mmHg), with a range of 54-64 mmHg. Tube cricothyrotomy holds promise as a means of rapidly obtaining tracheal access in small animals and temporarily sustaining ventilation in an emergency. Conclusion Further detailed investigation is warranted to assess the use of this technique in the small animal emergency setting.