cricothyrotomy

Pronunciation: kri'ko-thi-rot'o-me

Definition: Incision through the skin and cricothyroid membrane for relief of respiratory obstruction; used before or in place of tracheotomy in certain emergency respiratory obstructions.

Synonym(s): cricothyroidotomy, inferior laryngotomy, intercricothyrotomy

[cricoid + thyroid + G. tome, incision]

See Also: coniotomy

Further information

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