Melker cricothyrotomy kit: an alternative to the surgical technique.

Emergent cricothyrotomy is a potentially lifesaving procedure central to acute airway algorithms. In most cases in which cricothyrotomy is indicated, the acuteness of the airway precludes subspecialty consultation before performance of the procedure. The academic environment is an exception, in which the responsibility of securing a "difficult" cricothyroid airway may fall upon junior otolaryngology residents. Described here is the use of the Melker Emergency Cricothyrotomy Kit, a prepackaged kit that uses a wire-guided percutaneous dilational technique (the Seldinger technique) and a procedure-specific polyvinylchloride airway catheter. The wire-guided technique may add a margin of safety for a relatively inexperienced resident performing cricothyrotomy. Furthermore, a newly released version of the kit includes instrumentation for insertion of the Melker airway catheter by the classic surgical technique in addition to that required for the Seldinger technique, which may enable even a seasoned surgeon to secure the airway faster and more safely.

Development and Evaluation of an Internet-Based Airway Evaluation Tutorial.

Airway evaluation and basic management are essential skills for all physicians. Identifying patients for whom mask ventilation or endotracheal intubation will be difficult to impossible is vital for patient safety. Despite this, training in airway evaluation is minimal in the curricula of most medical schools. To ensure a thorough understanding of airway anatomy and evaluation, as well as exposure to various abnormal findings, we developed an Internet-based module including interactive components, graphics, animation, video, and a self-assessment tool. The site received more than 1800 visits in its first nine months of operation, with uniformly laudatory comments. Eighty subjects over a six-month period completed a pre- and post-test quiz structured to evaluate the utility of the site. Of those completing the on-line survey, more than 76% rated the site very useful. Most felt their knowledge of airway examination improved after completion of the site (p.