Transtracheal jet ventilation

Transtracheal jet ventilation is a technique for ventilation of apnoeic lungs. This article outlines the indications, equipment required, insertion technique and complications of transtracheal jet ventilation. It can be used electively to aid management of the difficult airway and for laryngeal surgery. It also has a vital role in the management of the ‘can't intubate – can' ventilate’ scenario. Death and hypoxic brain damage under anaesthesia are fortunately rare, but most commonly occur as a result of problems with tracheal intubation. No patient should suffer hypoxic brain damage without an attempt at transtracheal ventilation being made.