Paediatric difficult airway management: Difference between revisions

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surgical cricothyroidotomy is preferable, so this is recommended in
surgical cricothyroidotomy is preferable, so this is recommended in
older children.
older children.
The important factor is that at least one technique is actually attempted
The important factor is that at least one technique is actually attempted
by someone in the CICV situation when the oxygen saturations are
by someone in the CICV situation when the oxygen saturations are
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The CICV situation is a particular challenge in infants and small
The CICV situation is a particular challenge in infants and small
children, due to important anatomical differences:
children, due to important anatomical differences:
• The trachea is small, elastic, flaccid and mobile, and so prone to
:• The trachea is small, elastic, flaccid and mobile, and so prone to collapse during insertion of a transtracheal device.
collapse during insertion of a transtracheal device.
:• The cricothyroid membrane is much smaller, with an average size of only 2.6 x 3mm, smaller than the smallest tracheal tubes.
• The cricothyroid membrane is much smaller, with an average size
:• It is more difficult to locate the cricothyroid membrane than in adults due to a differing orientation of the hyoid bone and the cricoid and thyroid cartilage. This orientation also increases the chance of laryngeal trauma during cricothyroidotomy.
of only 2.6 x 3mm, smaller than the smallest tracheal tubes.
:• It is easier to locate the space between the tracheal rings rather than the cricothyroid membrane.
• It is more difficult to locate the cricothyroid membrane than in
 
adults due to a differing orientation of the hyoid bone and the
cricoid and thyroid cartilage. This orientation also increases the
chance of laryngeal trauma during cricothyroidotomy.
• It is easier to locate the space between the tracheal rings rather
than the cricothyroid membrane.
Together these factors mean it may be more appropriate in infants
Together these factors mean it may be more appropriate in infants
and small children to perform a surgical tracheostomy.
and small children to perform a surgical tracheostomy.
All ‘rescue techniques’ have significant potential for complications so
All ‘rescue techniques’ have significant potential for complications so
should only be performed in life threatening situations. Clearly, all the
should only be performed in life threatening situations. Clearly, all the

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