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HomeGrown Solution: Cricoid Membrane

Title

Cricoid Membrane

Submitted By

Chris Weidman

HomeGrown Solution Number

312

Identification of the Problem

Cricothyroidotomy is an important emergency procedure that is used to obtain an airway when other, more routine methods are ineffective or contraindicated. Establishing an effective airway in the face of medical emergencies is a skill that healthcare providers must master to prevent patient morbidity or mortality. In addition to creating our own neck skins (HomeGrown Solution number 303) this low cost cricoid membrane task trainer allows the ability to add realism to a task trainer like Resusci Anne or other low fidelity manikins.

Unique Idea

We developed a low cost cricoid membrane out of PVC pipes and vacuum tubing to be added to low cost task trainers or low fidelity manikins. The designed membrane adds a realistic and hepatic feel for the learner. This specific cricoid membrane was designed to fit Resusci Anne. It can be modified if needed.

Objectives

To have simulation staff understand the need and importance of developing their own cricoid membrane to be added to other task trainers or low fidelity manikins.

Supplies/Ingredients

  1. low fidelity manikin such as Resusci Anne
  2. PVC pipe
  3. hacksaw or other saw capable of cutting PVC pipe
  4. bendable vacuum tubing
  5. clear PVC cement with brushes
  6. hot glue gun with glue sticks
  7. small screw and screwdriver
  8. packing tape
  9. hook and loop fastener such as Velcro (optional support)

Steps to Creating the Solution

  1. First place the pipe and secure it using a bench vice grip clamp for support then cut the PVC pipe down to 2 ¼ inches.
  2. From the end of the pipe, measure out to ½ inch, 1 inch, and 2 inches, and mark with a marker. At the ½ and 1-inch mark cut the pipe to represent where the cricothyroid membrane would be. And cut at the 2-inch mark to represent the laryngeal prominence (Adam's apple).
  3. Take the vacuum tubing and measure down from the base (black arrow) 2 inches and cut. Then cut the top of the tubing off. Screw in the small screw into the bottom of the vacuum tubing.
  4. Next take the PVC cement and swab in a good amount in the inside of the PVC pipe right below the cut that was made for the membrane. Place the vacuum tubing (opposite end of the screw) in the PVC pipe. Let dry. Where you cut to create the Adam's apple, place hot glue, and let dry.
  5. Drill a small hole 4 inches from the bottom of the trainer’s neck and then place a small piece of hook and loop fastener above the hole for extra support. Screw down the cricoid membrane to the low fidelity task trainer.
  6. Place a piece of packing tape over the cut in the PVC pipe. Make sure it is a tight fit, so the learners can get a true realistic cut. Put the skin of the manikin or trainer back on, and then you are ready to place the replaceable next skins that you made from HGS number 303.

Video

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