The Difficult Airway

<< BackNext >>
High Pressure
  • The alternative is to attach the patient to a high-pressure transtracheal jet ventilation system. This provides oxygen at 50 psi and has enough pressure to make the chest rise and fall. 
    • This achieves ventilation and can maintain the patient for longer periods of time. 
  • It has the disadvantage of causing barotrauma easily. 
    • Complications include pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema.
  • It is important to note that needle cricothyrotomy does not prevent aspiration.
<< BackNext >>