A novel technique for airway cricothyroid membrane puncture directed tracheostomy: Preliminary experiment in minipigs

Objective To introduce a novel technique for tracheostomy: cricothyroid membrane puncture directed tracheostomy CMPDT) and its application in airway establishment. Methods Six minipigs were endotracheal intubated after anesthesia. Tracheal tube was blocked deliberately to simulate a hypoxia situation. CMPDT was used to establish airway when S_pO₂decreased o 80%. Operation time from start (t₀) to successful ventilation (t₁) and to successful intubation via tracheal opening (t₂) was ecorded. SpO₂and other vital signs including ECG, BP and HR were monitored by multi-functional ECG monitor. Intraoperative omplications like tracheal wall injury were observed via fberobronchoscopy. The minipigs were raised for 1 year after operation, nd the short-term and long-term postoperative complications were also recorded. Results Quick ventilation and successful definite airway were achieved using CMPDT technique in all minipigs. The operation time from t₀to t₁and t₀to t₂was 18±5 s and 174±34, respectively. No vital signs were violently fuctuated except SpO₂increased continually since ventilation. Five minipigs experienced minor bleeding and 1 minipig went through medium bleeding without surgical treatment. No other complications occurred, while 1 minipig's tracheal wall was slightly scratched by dilatational forceps during the dilating procedure. Conclusion The animal experiment shows that CMPDT is a fast, safe and effective tracheostomy technique in minipigs, which can be an optional choice for tracheostomy.