After the incision of the cricothyroid membrane is made, the scalpel blade can be used to stent open the stoma and facilitate passage of the bougie. This is done by gently anchoring the 10-blade against the side of the stoma opposite the operator. An alternative approach involves removing the scalpel and immediately placing a finger to dilate the stoma.
From: Johnston TM, Davis PJ. The occasional bougie‑assisted cricothyroidotomy. Can J Rural Med 2020; 25:41. DOI:
10.4103/CJRM.CJRM_50_19. Copyright © 2020 Society of Rural Physicians of Canada. Reproduced with permission from Wolters Kluwer Health. Unauthorized reproduction of this material is prohibited.
