Cricath: the innovative, flexible cricothyrotomy catheter

Cricath is an innovative, flexible 2-mm needle cricothyrotomy catheter. It enables quick access to the trachea by insertion through the cricoid membrane with the standard catheter-over-needle procedure. Cricath is designed in close collaboration with clinicians and has several benefits:

• Easily inserted into the trachea;
• Low risk of kinking due a number of smart features.

Easy access to trachea and reduced risk of kinking

Cricath has a number of unique and smart features to enhance proper insertion and to reduce kinking of the lumen. This is a well-known problem in cricothyrotomy catheters and often occurs at that area just under the point where the lumen is fixed to the flange. That’s why Cricath is designed differently.

1. Elevated fixation point and smoothly curved opening
   The fixation point of the Cricath lumen is located a few millimeters below the surface of the flange. The opening around the lumen is larger and smoothly curved, allowing the lumen to move and reducing the risk of kinking.
2. Unique tilting mechanism 
   A hinge between the lumen and flange means the lumen can tilt relative to the flange. This enables Cricath to be properly positioned in the trachea, even in a patient with abnormal neck anatomy requiring an unusual lumen angle.
3. Material of the lumen
   Cricath is made of a special, high-grade Teflon (PFA) material that is very strong while retaining flexibility. This, combined with the carefully chosen dimensions of the lumen, further reduces the risk of kinking.
4. Quick and safe access to the trachea
   In “Cannot Intubate, Cannot Oxygenate” situations, every second counts. Cricath allows safe and quick access to the trachea in order to prevent desaturation of the patient.
5. Catheter-over-needle procedure
   Cricath allows a safe and quick insertion of the catheter by following the standard catheter-over-needle procedure through the cricoid membrane, without having to make an incision first.
6. Anatomically curved
   The needle of Cricath is anatomically curved to prevent posterior tracheal wall injury during insertion. The catheter will retain its curved shape after removal of the needle.
7. Flexible, ergonomic flange
   The ergonomic, flexible flange used in Cricath easily adapts to the patient’s neck and enables quick fixation by means of the enclosed neck strap or surgical sutures.
8. Female Luer Connector
   Cricath is equipped with a standard female luer to connect Cricath to Ventrain or to another respiratory device, for example an automated jet ventilator.