CRICOTOMY Meaning and
Definition
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A cricotomy is a medical procedure wherein a surgical incision is made into the cricothyroid membrane, which is the tissue located between the cricoid and thyroid cartilages in the neck. The cricotomy is performed to create an emergency airway in situations where conventional methods of intubation cannot be accomplished.
During the cricotomy, a healthcare professional inserts a specialized tube called a cricothyrotomy tube or a tracheostomy tube into the opening created by the incision. This tube serves as a direct pathway for air to enter the lungs, ensuring proper oxygenation and ventilation.
Cricotomies are employed as an immediate life-saving measure in critical situations when a patient's breathing is severely compromised, such as during complete airway obstruction or failure to secure a normal airway through traditional intubation techniques. Therefore, they are typically performed during emergencies, such as in trauma cases or situations where there is a risk of suffocation or significant airway trauma.
The cricotomy procedure is generally done with the patient under local anesthesia, though in some cases, general anesthesia may be necessary. It requires technical skills, precision, and expertise due to the complex anatomy of the neck and the delicate structures involved.
In conclusion, a cricotomy is a surgical procedure that involves creating an emergency airway through an incision in the cricothyroid membrane to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation in critical situations where conventional intubation methods are deemed ineffective or impossible.
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Division of the cricoid cartilage.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CRICOTOMY
- xricotomy
- fricotomy
- dricotomy
- ceicotomy
- cdicotomy
- cficotomy
- cticotomy
- c5icotomy
- c4icotomy
- crucotomy
- crjcotomy
- crkcotomy
- crocotomy
- cr9cotomy
- cr8cotomy
- crixotomy
- crivotomy
- crifotomy
- cridotomy
- cricitomy
Etymology of CRICOTOMY
The word "cricotomy" is derived from a combination of two roots: "cric" and "tomē".
The root "cric" is derived from the Greek word "krikos" which means "ring" or "hoop". This term refers to the cricoid cartilage, which is a ring-shaped cartilage located in the lower part of the larynx, or voice box.
The second root, "tomē", is derived from the Greek word "tomē" which means "to cut". This root is widely used in medical terminology to refer to various surgical procedures involving cutting or incisions.
Therefore, the word "cricotomy" combines these two roots to indicate a surgical procedure that involves making an incision or cut in the cricoid cartilage to access the airway.
Similar spelling words for CRICOTOMY
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