A new transtracheal catheter for ventilation and resuscitation.

We describe a new catheter for emergency ventilation of patients difficult to intubate. This catheter can be inserted through the crico-thyroid membrane or the first or second intertracheal ringspace with ease in an almost atraumatic fashion. The outside part of the device, with its dual attachment system, can be connected to conventional resuscitation equipment by its 15 mm male end or to a high-pressure oxygen source by its luer-lock fitting. A double angulation maintains the intratracheal portion of the catheter in the axis of the trachea and the external part in close contact with the larynx. A Velcro band attached to two lateral flanges keeps the catheter in place. The results of transtracheal catheterization of 48 patients by means of this new device are discussed.