Theoretical optimal cricothyroidotomy incision length in female subjects, following identification of the cricothyroid membrane by digital palpation

摘要

Background: Misidentification of the cricothyroid membrane is frequent in females, placing them at risk of difficult or failed cricothyroidotomy in the event of failed oxygenation. If anatomy_ is impalpable, the current guidelines of the Difficult Airway Society, based on expert opinion, recommend an 8-10 cm vertical incision to facilitate access to the cricothyroid membrane. At present no evidence-based guideline exists regarding optimum site or length. We investigated the likelihood of inclusion of the cricothyroid membrane, within hypothetical vertical midline incisions, in a female population.