ScalpelCric®
Set for surgical cricothyrotomy according to the scalpel technique
eFONA(1) in CICO situation
According to the latest DAS(2) guidelines
Compact and lightweight set
The ScalpelCric® is a surgical set for cricothyrotomy according to the scalpel technique. The set has been developed to match the latest recommendations from the DAS (Difficult Airway Society) guidelines.
Based on the simple description of "stab, twist, bougie, tube", the ScalpelCric® is meant to facilitate the execution of eFONA (emergency Front Of Neck Access) in a CICO situation (Cannot Intubate – Cannot Oxygenate). The set is packed in a specific sterile pouch with each component organised in the order of use. This can be important at the critical time of the procedure.
1. Stab
2. Twist
3. Bougie
4. Tube
——Features
Tube with cuff
6.0 mm I.D. tube with cuff, specially developed for this set, to seal the trachea and protect against aspiration. The flat tube design with a pear-shaped cuff ensures an ideal seal in the trachea. The beveled flange adapts perfectly to the patient’s anatomy.
Bougie – Tube Transition
The minimal gap between bougie and tube ensures a smooth transition, making it easier to advance the tube into the trachea.
Bougie
15 Fr Bougie, length 40 cm, with angled and rounded tip.
- Centimetre markings to control the insertion depth
- Low friction surface for easy railroading of the tube
Scalpel
Size 10 scalpel is the ideal size to match the O.D. of the tube.
Necktape
In combination with the anatomically shaped flange, the necktape ensures secure fixation of the tube.
Extension Tubing
Tracheal suctioning is possible through the connector of the extension tubing with a suction catheter ≤ 16 Fr, without the need to interrupt ventilation. At the same time, the extension tubing provides strain relief.
Content
2 15 Fr Bougie, 40 cm
3 6.0 mm I.D. tube with cuff
4 Syringe 10 ml
5 Extension tubing
6 Necktape
Long shelf life
The ScalpeCric® set has a shelf life of 5 years from the date of manufacture.
Packaging
- Robust packaging and compact pack size
26,0 (L) x 14,5 (W) x 3,5 (H) cm
to fit emergency bags, backpacks, crash carts, etc. - Opening arrows for easy opening
- Sterile pouch is water-resistant
(1) emergency Front Of Neck Access
(2) Difficult Airway Society
——Application Video
——Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is it a good idea to have a dedicated set on hand for an eFONA situation, rather than putting together your own set using individual standard components?
In an eFONA situation, every second counts. A specially assembled set such as ScalpelCric® ensures that all the necessary components are immediately available, complete, sterile and perfectly coordinated. A pre-configured set supports the structured and standardised procedure of the eFONA technique.
Another key advantage of the ScalpelCric® set is its intended use. The set has been specifically developed for performing a cricothyrotomy and is approved as a medical device for precisely this purpose. This gives users the assurance that they are using a set whose components are specifically designed for this application.
Does ScalpelCric® comply with current guidelines for the eFONA (Emergency Front-of-Neck Airway) technique?
Yes, ScalpelCric® complies with current guidelines for the eFONA (Emergency Front-of-Neck Airway) technique.
Most guidelines recommend the scalpel technique (scalpel-bougie technique) as the preferred method. The ScalpelCric® set has been specifically developed for this technique. The components included are optimally coordinated so that the recommended procedure for eFONA can be performed safely and efficiently in accordance with current recommendations.
The following guidelines support the scalpel-bougie technique as the preferred method for eFONA:
- Difficult Airway Society (DAS) Guidelines 2025
- European Resuscitation Council (ERC) Guidelines 2025
- TCCC Tactical Combat Casualty Care Guidelines for Medical Personnel 2024
What advantages offers ScalpelCric® compared to other sets containing standard components?
Bougie and tube have been specially developed to meet the requirements of eFONA and are perfectly matched to ensure the procedure runs as smoothly as possible. Other cricothyrotomy sets often use standard components that do not work together ideally and are not designed for this specific application.
Furthermore, the ScalpelCric® set only contains components that are used for the procedure – unlike some sets, which are overloaded with additional, unnecessary components.
Why should a specially designed tube be used for eFONA instead of a standard tracheal tube?
The tube, which has been specially designed for the ScalpelCric® set, features an anatomically shaped flange, an atraumatic, rounded tip and a smooth transition between bougie and tube > see image ‘Bougie – tube transition’, which facilitates insertion and reduces the risk of tissue trauma.
Why does the ScalpelCric® set contains a standard size 10 scalpel rather than a safety scalpel?
A standard size 10 scalpel was chosen carefully to ensure reliable and uninterrupted use in a critical CICO situation (Cannot Intubate – Cannot Oxygenate). With safety scalpels, there is a risk that the blade may be accidentally retracted before the actual incision is made, rendering the instrument unusable and potentially causing a dangerous delay in performing the cricothyrotomy.
The size 10 scalpel was specifically selected as it optimally matches the outer diameter of the tube, thereby enabling a suitable incision.
Why are the components of the ScalpelCric® organised in this particular order?
The components are organised in the order of use when performing eFONA. The user can remove the individual components step by step from the instrument bag. Organising the components in this order can be important at the critical time of the procedure.
Why aren’t the components in the ScalpelCric® set individually packaged?
ScalpelCric® is supplied as a sterile complete set. This means that the individual components do not require additional individual packaging that would need to be opened during use. This saves valuable time and simplifies the procedure. At the same time, the specially designed instrument bag ensures that all components are clearly laid out and placed on a sterile field during use.
What is the shelf life of the ScalpelCric® set?
The ScalpeCric® set has a shelf life of 5 years from the date of manufacture. The exact expiry date is mentioned on the product label.
Why does the ScalpelCric® set have a 5-year shelf life, which is longer than many other cricothyrotomy sets?
We have intentionally chosen not to include individual components with a shelf life of less than five years in the set. This ensures that the overall shelf life of the set is not limited by components with a shorter shelf life, and that it can be used for as long as possible. Components such as lubricants, which often have a shorter shelf life, have therefore not been included.
Is lubricant not required when using the set?
When used by trained medical staff, a suitable medical lubricant is usually available, for example in emergency bags or similar equipment. Therefore, no separate lubricant is included in the set. Regardless of this, the bougie is designed with a material that has low friction, making it easier to insert the tube even without additional lubricant.
What is the pack size of ScalpelCric®?
The pouch of the instrument bag has a compact pack size of 26,0 × 14,5 × 3,5 cm (L × W × H). It is made of flexible, non-rigid material, making it easy to store without taking up much space. Clearly visible arrows show exactly how to open the pouch – simple and intuitive.
Unfolded pack size: 40 cm × 35 cm (L × W)
——Additional Information
——Training & Education
Surgical airway management is one of the rare but crucial emergency procedures in anaesthesia and emergency medical services. Regular training is essential to ensure that you can act safely and routinely in an emergency.
Our simulators allow for realistic practice of the eFONA technique and help participants gain the confidence they need to act decisively when it counts.
For practising cricothyrotomy, we offer a non-sterile ScalpelCric® training set.
——Related Topics & Products
Quicktrach®
Surgicric® II
Surgicric® III
Jet-Ventilation Catheter
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