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

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.