Rapid access airway: surgical device and technique.

A simple, inexpensive, readily assembled device that provides immediate temporary access to the subglottic airway for oxygenation or anesthesia induction has been presented. The device can be used in emergency clinical situations, in difficult anesthesia inductions and in children where it is difficult to introduce an endotracheal tube because of supraglottic disorders. The child can be anesthetized via this device prior to securing the airway by tracheostomy. There has been no morbidity or mortality associated with use of this device.