Heuveling et al. Transtracheal Use of the CriCath Cannula in Combination With the Ventrain Device for Prevention of Hypoxic Arrest due to Severe Upper Airway Obstruction: A Case Report. A A Pract. 2018 Dec 15;11(12):344-347

Dr Gerling and colleagues saved a patient’s life using Cricath and Ventrain.  Deteriorating respiratory distress, increasing hypoxia, and decreasing level of consciousness of a transported patient forced a ground ambulance to stop at the emergency department of the Meander Medical Center Amersfoort. Upon arrival the patient presented in acute and severe respiratory distress due to near-complete upper airway obstruction with SpO2 of 81%, which dropped to 37% within 5 minutes after arrival. Active ventilation was not possible. Quick intraoral inspection and fiber optic evaluation revealed massive edema, secretions and no airway. Cricath was placed,  Ventrain was connected and ventilation was started. Peripheral oxygen saturation rapidly improved within <90 seconds to 99% and hemodynamics improved. The patient was manually ventilated with Ventrain for nearly 60 minutes before semielective surgical tracheotomy was safely performed. No hemodynamic or ventilation abnormalities were observed during the use of the Ventrain