Transtracheal jet ventilation in a general tertiary hospital: A 7-year audit

Airway management in patients presenting with severe airway obstruction can present a challenge to the anaesthetist, as conventional difficult pathways are often inappropriate. The use of transtracheal jet cannula is an alternative means securement, but lack familiarity has limited its general tertiary hospitals. We report retrospective audit ventilation healthcare centre over past seven years, total 50 compromise undergoing pharyngolaryngeal surgery. Transtracheal was successful 98% patients, and definitive 43 cases. In six cases, technique useful temporising measure while secured by other means. Minor complications occurred 12% patients. No major morbidities or mortalities were recorded. conclude that for high-risk surgery be performed using high frequency ventilator, rate success only minor complications. Cannulation trachea below cricothyroid membrane feasible more challenging. Low-flow apnoeic oxygenation through maintains during initial surgical manipulation.