Percutaneous tracheostomy: a safe procedure in the morbidly obese

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) is becoming a widely accepted technique that has replaced open tracheostomy (OT) in many hospitals. One of the remaining relative contraindications is morbid obesity. There are no published case series of its use in this patient population. We reviewed our experience with PDT in the morbidly obese and compared it to OT in this patient population. Our hypothesis is that PDT and OT have a similar frequency of adverse events. STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed charts of all morbidly obese patients (body mass index [BMI]>or=35, calculated as kg/m2) undergoing either PDT or OT at our institution during a 58-month period. Variables examined included age, gender, BMI, diagnosis, bedside or operating room, and bronchoscopy-assisted. We recorded all procedural complications and all tracheostomy-related complications that occurred for 30 days postprocedure or death. Primary adverse end points were defined as procedures that started percutaneous and converted to open; any reoperation related to the initial tracheostomy; malpositioning of tracheostomy resulting in patient morbidity, loss of airway control, and bleeding requiring surgical intervention. Secondary adverse end points occurred when a tracheostomy tube was dislodged or malfunctioned, as in the case of a cuff leak, and any bleeding that occurred more than 24 hours after insertion. RESULTS: From January 1, 2000, until September 30, 2004, our institution performed 1,062 tracheostomies. One hundred forty-three patients had a BMI>or=35. Eighty-nine patients underwent PDT and 53 patients underwent OT. Sixty-seven of the PDTs were performed at the bedside and 22 were performed in the operating room. All OTs were performed in the operating room. Five (6.5%) primary end points were recorded for PDTs (4 conversions to open, 1 malpositioning). Three (6.5%) primary end points were reported for OTs (malpositioning resulting in hypoxia, bleeding requiring surgical intervention, aborted attempt at open). CONCLUSIONS: PDT is a safe procedure to perform on morbidly obese patients.     

Comparison of safety and cost of percutaneous versus surgical tracheostomy

Tracheostomy continues to be a standard procedure for the management of long-term ventilator-dependent patients. Traditionally the procedure has been performed by surgeons in the operating theater using an open technique. This routine practice has recently been challenged by the introduction of bedside percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT), which has been reported to be a cost-effective alternative. The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the safety, procedure time, cost, and utilization of percutaneous and surgical tracheostomies at a university hospital. A retrospective medical chart review was performed on all ventilator-dependent intensive care unit patients at the University of Virginia Medical Center undergoing tracheostomy during a 23-month period beginning December 26, 1996. Of the 213 patients identified for review, 74 and 139 patients received percutaneous and surgical tracheostomies, respectively. Of 74 percutaneous tracheostomies, 73 reviewed were performed by general surgeons, pulmonary physicians, or anesthesiologists in the intensive care unit; all open tracheostomies were performed by surgeons in the operating room, and one percutaneous procedure was performed in the operating room. Perioperative complications occurred in five of 74 patients (6.76%) during PDT; of these, three patients (4.1%) experienced major complications requiring emergent operative exploration of the neck. Three patients (2.2%) experienced perioperative complications during surgical tracheostomy. The mean procedure time was significantly shorter for the percutaneous procedure. Average charges per patient in an uncomplicated case including professional fees, inventory, bronchoscopy (if performed), and operating room charges were $1753.01 and $2604.00 for percutaneous and standard tracheostomies, respectively. These charges do not include the charges associated with surgical intervention after PDT complications. In contrast to previously published reports showing complications clustered during a physician's first 30 percutaneous cases, our study demonstrated no relationship between complication occurrence and physician experience. That is, no learning curve associated with performing PDT was evident. In addition there was no association seen between physician specialty and complication rate. PDT in the intensive care unit costs less than surgical tracheostomy performed in the operating room and can be performed in less time. Several other studies have recommended that bronchoscopy during PDT provides additional safety; however, in our series all three major complications took place during bronchoscopy-assisted percutaneous procedures. Our series suggests that PDT carries an appreciable risk of major complications. Careful patient selection and additional experience with the procedure may decrease complication rates to an acceptable level.     

A single-center 8-year experience with percutaneous dilational tracheostomy

OBJECTIVE: To determine surgical, postoperative, and postdischarge complications associated with percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) in an 8-year experience at the University of Kentucky. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: There are known risks associated with the transport of critically ill patients to the operating room for elective tracheostomy, and less-than-optimal conditions may interfere with open bedside tracheostomy. PDT has been introduced as an alternative to open tracheostomy. Despite information supporting its safety and utility, the technique has been criticized because advocates had not provided sufficient information regarding complications. METHODS: A prospective database was initiated on all patients who underwent PDT between September 1990 and May 1998. The database provided indication, procedure time, duration of intubation before PDT, and intraoperative and postoperative complications. Retrospective review of medical records and phone interviews provided long-term follow-up information. RESULTS: In the 8-year period, 827 PDTs were performed in 824 patients. Two patients were excluded because PDT could not be completed for technical reasons. There were 519 male and 305 female patients. Mean age was 56 years. Prolonged mechanical ventilatory support was the most common indication. Mean procedure time was 15 minutes, and the average duration of intubation before PDT was 10 days. The intraoperative complication rate was 6%, with premature extubation the most common complication. The procedure-related death rate was 0.6%. Postoperative complications were found in 5%, with bleeding the most common. With a mean follow-up of greater than 1 year, the tracheal stenosis rate was 1.6%. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of this large, single-center study, the authors conclude that when performed by experienced surgeons, PDT is a safe and effective alternative to open surgical tracheostomy for intubated patients who require elective tracheostomy.     

Percutaneous endoscopic tracheostomy

Bedside percutaneous tracheostomies are increasingly performed. This avoids patient transport to the operating room. Complications of this procedure are largely related to the blind nature of the technique. After laboratory studies, 4 patients underwent percutaneous endoscopic guided tracheostomy in a selective clinical trial. There were no procedure-related complications. Endoscopic guidance ensures precise low tracheostomy position, prevents paratracheal tube misplacement, and avoids inadvertent injuries.     

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy versus conventional surgical tracheostomy

Background : As no clinical randomised studies have previously been performed comparing complications with the Ciaglia Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy Introducer Set (PDT) and conventional surgical tracheostomy (TR), we designed a study with the aim of comparing the efficacy and safety of the two techniques.
Methods : Sixty patients selected for elective tracheostomy were randomised for either PDT (30 patients) or TR (30 patients). All patients had general anaesthesia and were ventilated with 100% oxygen. Furthermore, lidocaine with epinephrine 1% (3–5 ml) was used for local analgesia and to minimise bleeding during the procedure.
Results : The median time for insertion of the tracheostomy tube was 11.5 min (range 7–24 min) in the PDT group and 15 min (range 5–47 min) in the TR group ( P <0.01). Complications during the procedure were cuff puncture of the endotracheal tube in 5 cases in the PDT group. Minor bleeding was encountered in 6 cases in the PDT group as opposed to 24 cases in the TR group ( P <0.01), major bleeding in none versus 2 cases, respectively. In 8 cases in the PDT group, increased resistance to insertion of the tracheostomy tube was met by further dilatation. During the post-tracheostomy period, complications occurred with minor bleeding in 2 cases in the PDT group as opposed to 9 cases in the TR group ( P <0.05), and major bleeding was encountered in 1 case in each group. Minor infections were encountered in 3 cases in the PDT group as opposed to 11 cases in the TR group ( P <0.01). Major infection was encountered in none versus 8 cases, respectively ( P <0.01).
Conclusion : Our results indicate that the percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy technique performed with the Ciaglia Introducer Set is effective, safe and superior to conventional surgical tracheostomy as immediate complications as well as complications with the tracheostomy tube in situ are fewer and of less severity.     

Percutaneous dilational tracheostomy: report of 9 cases

Nine patients with CNS damage who had been transferred to our critical care unit were treated with a commercially available kit for percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT). The mean procedure time was about 11 minutes, and the perioperative complication rate was 22% (2/9). Only one complication, wound infection, occurred, and the patient was cured with conventional therapy. On the other hand, premature extubation of the translaryngeal tube occurred in one case. Long-term complications like tracheal stenosis and tracheal malacia were not experienced in two patients. They were discharged from the hospital after decannulation. In conclusion, the advantages of PDT include a short procedure time, the ability to perform the procedure at the bedside, and reduced stimulation of the trachea. Because of the safety and simplicity of the procedure, we recommend PDT for patients with CNS damage.     

Massive subcutaneous emphysema following percutaneous tracheostomy

Although percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is fast becoming the method of choice for securing an airway in chronic ventilated patients in an intensive care unit (ICU). Subcutaneous emphysema is an unusual and sometimes lethal complication which may extend the length of stay in the ICU. We report a case of massive subcutaneous emphysema without tracheal wall laceration that occurred in the ICU after PDT. An 81-year-old woman was admitted to our ICU due to infective exacerbation of chronic obstructive airways disease. Her medical therapy included nebulized bronchodilators, steroids and empirical antibiotics. Within thirty-six hours of initial endotracheal intubation PDT was performed. Several hours following the procedure, the patient developed massive subcutaneous emphysema encompassing her entire body. No pneumothorax was identified on subsequent chest X-ray. Laryngoscopic and bronchoscopic examination showed no evidence of tracheal wall laceration. We discuss the etiology and management plan for this rare complication.     

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy: still a surgical procedure.

Although percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) has been shown to be a cost-effective bedside alternative to open tracheostomy (OT), prior reports of the complications of the procedure are contradictory. Reported complications range from minor events to fatal ones, in varying percentages. This prospective study was designed to identify the type and severity of complications accompanying the introduction of PDT to a tertiary medical center. Surgical and medical intensive care unit (ICU) patients requiring elective tracheostomy were identified as appropriate for PDT using approved institutional criteria. All procedures were performed at an ICU bedside in the presence of a surgeon privileged to perform OT. Demographic data, procedural information, and patient outcome (including minor and major complications, length of stay, and survival) were collected. PDT was performed in 96 ICU patients, with complete data available for 95 patients. PDT was performed in an average of 13.1+/-1.0 minutes. Twenty-three major and minor complications occurred, including two perioperative deaths, in 15 patients (15.8%). A total of 37 PDT patients (38.9%) died in the hospital, indicative of the severity of illness of patients requiring tracheostomy. Based on the experience to date, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (Los Angeles, CA) continues to require a surgeon privileged to perform OT to participate in all PDT procedures.     

Percutaneous tracheostomy: one center's experience with a new modality

BACKGROUND: A retrospective review of our experience with percutaneous tracheostomy was performed to determine our complication rate and pattern of use since this modality was introduced at our institution. METHODS: A retrospective chart review captured all patients in whom tracheostomy was performed or supervised by a trauma/critical care faculty member. Dates of hospital admission, ICU admission, intubation, discontinuation of mechanical ventilation, type and location of procedure, procedural complications, Injury Severity Score, charges, and patient demographics were collected. Percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) and open tracheostomy (OT) experiences were compared. RESULTS: Three hundred sixty-eight tracheostomies were performed (190 OT and 178 PT). The average time to tracheostomy (TTT) for PT patients decreased from 12.7 to 7.4 days. The average TTT for OT patients remained stable at 14.0 days. The complication rate was 3.5%, with 4 complications (1.5%) associated with OT and 9 complications (5.1%) associated with PT. All complications in the PT group occurred before using a single dilator system. The 9 complications in the PT group occurred among 5 surgeons, all before their 11th attempt. PT saves 444 dollars in charges per procedure. CONCLUSION: OT continues to be a safe method of performing tracheostomies. PT has a steep learning curve but can be mastered quickly. Benefits include a shorter time to tracheostomy, elimination of patient transport, and saving in charges. Initial PT attempts should be supervised by an experienced surgeon.     

Bedside percutanous forceps dilatational tracheostomy

ICU patients, mainly those who need prolonged ventilatory support, may require tracheostomy, which once was done in the operating room, nowadays is performed in the ICU, as percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT). Forty two patients 18-72 yrs of age (mean 44 yrs), with varying indications for tracheostomy, had undergone PDT in the ICU under the standard protocol for this procedure. The mean time for completion of the procedure was 10 min. Advantages and complications are reviewed. The difficulties encountered were mainly the anatomical landmarks (10%), difficulties in dilatation (5%) and peristomal oozing (1%). It is concluded that percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy is an easy, cost effective, practical when done at bedside in the ICU, and spares transferring the patient to the operating theater.     

Ultrasound and bronchoscopic controlled percutaneous tracheostomy on trauma ICU

Tracheostomy is a common surgical procedure performed in long-term ventilated patients in intensive care. Since the role of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) on Intensive Care Unit (ICU) has become steadily more important in the last few years, a prospective study was started to evaluate the economic efficiency and to show the minimization of the complication rate of this procedure. In 72 patients we performed PDT as a bedside procedure. Initially the thyroid gland and the subcutaneous vessels were studied by ultrasound in every patient. The puncture of the trachea, the dilatational procedure and the insertion of the tracheal cannula were executed under bronchoscopic monitoring. Finally, a bronchoscopic control view followed via the new cannula to detect intratracheal complications. Mechanical ventilation was maintained during the procedure and controlled by continuous pulse oximetry. According to prior ultrasound findings the place to puncture the trachea was changed in 24% of the patients, in one case tracheostomy was performed as an open conventional procedure. The following complications could be observed: one case involving perforation of a cartilaginous ring, one case with venous bleeding of a small subcutaneous vein and two cases with punctures of the bronchoscope. There were no cases of miscannulation, penetration of the posterior tracheal wall or major bleeding requiring intervention or conversion. The followup study revealed that there was no sign of further complications in any patient. In addition, cost analysis demonstrated that there was a significant economical advantage of PDT in comparison with open standard tracheostomy. Standardized ultrasonographically and bronchoscopically controlled PDT turns out to be a safe, simple and cost effective bedside procedure on ICU. Because of ultrasound examination performed before the procedure, and bronchoscopic surveillance during the procedure, safety of this procedure can be enhanced, thus minimizing the rate of complications.     

Tracheostomy under jet-ventilation--an alternative approach to ventilating patients undergoing surgically created or percutaneous dilational tracheostomy

In a prospective observational study we compared the results of 297 elective tracheostomies under jet-ventilation with regard to its complication rate and practicability. Of those, 156 patients underwent surgically created tracheostomy (SCT) and 141 patients percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT). Initially, in 159 patients jet-ventilation was performed using a jet-cannula inserted intratracheally through the cricothyroid membrane. In the remaining 138 patients the jet-ventilator was connected to the endoscopic instrument channel (2.2 mm ID, 4.9 mm OD, 600 mm Length) and ventilation via the fiberoptic bronchoscope (FB-15x, Pentax Europe GmbH, Hamburg) was applied manually. With jet-ventilation, oxygenation was maintained throughout the procedure as long as the tracheal puncture was successful und jet-cannula fixed in place. The bronchoscope-guided gas stream, when compared to jet-cannula inserted intratracheally, offered more space for tracheostomy and safety for the patient. The permanent danger of mishappenings and dislocation involved with the jet-cannula could be avoided, since the bronchoscope was operating on under direct visualization. Under these circumstances, PDT is an acceptable approach to inserting a tracheostomy tube under jet-ventilation via bronchoscope, particularly for the management of difficult airway in critically ill patients.     

Ciaglia percutaneous dilational tracheostomy. Early and late complications and follow-up

AIM: Evaluation of the safety of percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) for perioperative, early and late complications. METHODS: Design: we prospectively collected complications in patients who underwent PDT for mechanical ventilation; patients were interviewed 8 months after discharge, symptomatic cases underwent ENT control. Setting: 10 bed general ICU in a 650 -bed general hospital treating 450 patients per year. Participants and intervention: 181 patients admitted between July 1998 and June 2000 who underwent PDT for mechanical ventilation. Prospe-ctive collection of data on patients and procedures and screening by a phone interview for symptoms possibly related to the tracheostomy. Symptomatic patients were referred to the ENT specialist. RESULTA: We found 17 perioperative minor complications and 10 minor during hospital stay complications. We traced 83 patients, alive 8 months after discharge. Sixty-one patients (73.5%) were symptom free. Four (4.8) complained of minimal dysphonia. Eighteen patients (21.7%) complained of symptoms deserving ENT control. Eleven patients came to the ENT control that was positive in 5 cases. In 2 patients swallowing uncoordination was found, in 1 arytenoid movement uncoordination. In 1 case (1.2%) a 25% tracheal stenosis was found. The stenosis was asymptomatic. One patient (1.2%) had a severe tracheal stenosis and had a Montgomery tracheal stent in place. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience Ciaglia PDT had an overall low rate of complications (21.8%). No patient had severe early complication. We found only 1 (1.2%) severe late complication. In selected patients, Ciaglia PDT with endoscopic control guarantees a high safety standard.     

The diagnostic yield and clinical impact of a chest X-ray after percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy: a prospective cohort study

A chest X-ray (CXR) is routinely performed after percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic yield of routine CXR following PDT and its impact on patient management and to identify predictors of post-PDT CXR changes. Two-hundred-and-thirty-nine patients who underwent PDT in a 21-bed intensive care unit were included prospectively in the study. The following data were collected: patient demographics, APACHE III scores, pre-PDT FiO2 and PEEP, PDT technique, perioperative complications and the use of bronchoscopic guidance. We compared post-PDT CXR with the last pre-PDT CXR. We documented any post-PDT new radiographic findings including atelectasis, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, surgical emphysema, pulmonary infiltrates or tracheostomy tube malposition. We also recorded management modifications based on post-PDT radiographic changes, including increased PEEP, chest physiotherapy, therapeutic bronchoscopy or chest tube insertion. Atelectasis was the only new finding detected on post-PDT CXRs of 24 (10%) patients. The new radiographic findings resulted in a total of 14 modifications of management in 10 (4%) patients including increased PEEP in six, chest physiotherapy in six and bronchoscopy in two patients. Trauma and pre-PDT PEEP >5 cmH2O were independent predictors of post-PDT CXR changes. Routine CXR following PDT has a low diagnostic yield, detecting mainly atelectasis and leading to a change in the management in only a minority ofpatients. Routine CXR after apparently uncomplicated PDT performed by an experienced operator may not be necessary and selective use may improve its diagnostic yield. Further studies are required to validate the safety of selective versus routine post-PDT CXR.     

经皮穿刺气管切开术在紧急抢救中的应用价值

目的：比较经皮穿刺气管切开术（PDT）与传统开放式气管切开术（OT）在手术操作和并发症上的差异,探讨其在危重患者紧急抢救中的应用价值.方法：30例急诊拟行气管切开术的患者,随机分为两组.OT组15例行传统气管切开术,PDT组15例行经皮穿刺气管切开术,记录并比较两组患者的手术时间、切口大小、术中出血量及术后并发症、心率、血压和氧饱和度的变化.结果：PDT组手术时间、切口大小、术中出血、术后并发症发生率均明显低于OT组,术后1 h心率和收缩压也明显低于OT组（P均〈0.05）,但两组术后1 h的平均动脉压和血氧饱和度之间差异无显著性（P〉0.05）.结论：与传统气管切开术比较,经皮穿刺气管切开术具有手术时间短、切口小、出血量少、并发症少等优点,适合在紧急抢救中应用.     

Percutaneous tracheostomy: ciaglia blue rhino versus the basic ciaglia technique of percutaneous dilational tracheostomy

Percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT), according to Ciaglia's technique described in 1985, has become the most popular technique for percutaneous tracheostomy and is demonstrably as safe as surgical tracheostomy. In 1999, an extensively modified technique of PDT was introduced, the Ciaglia Blue Rhino (CBR; Cook Critical Care, Bloomington, IL), that consists of one-step dilation by means of a curved dilator with hydrophilic coating. To compare CBR with the basic technique of PDT, we performed a prospective, randomized trial in 50 critically ill adults. Twenty-five of these patients had PDT, and 25 had CBR. Average operating times were <3 min for CBR (range: 50-360 s) and <7 min for PDT (range: 4-20 min; P<0.0001). Tracheostomy was successfully completed in all patients. When CBR was performed, 11 minor, nonlife-threatening complications were noted: nine fractures of tracheal cartilage and two short periods of intraoperative oxygen desaturation. During PDT, seven complications occurred, of which three were potentially life-threatening: two injuries to the posterior tracheal wall, one pneumothorax, two tracheal cartilage fractures (P< 0.05 vs CBR), one case of bleeding, and one short episode of intraoperative oxygen desaturation. Regardless of whether PDT or CBR was performed, oxygenation was not significantly affected, and there was no infection of the tracheostoma. Based on our data, we conclude that new CBR is more practicable than PDT. No life-threatening complications occurred during CBR. Implications: To assess practicability and safety of the Ciaglia Blue Rhino (Cook Critical Care, Bloomington, IL)-an extensively modified technique of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy-50 critically ill adults on long-term ventilation underwent either new Ciaglia Blue Rhino or percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy in a prospective, randomized clinical trial.     

Percutaneous tracheostomy: one center’s experience with a new modality

Background

A retrospective review of our experience with percutaneous tracheostomy was performed to determine our complication rate and pattern of use since this modality was introduced at our institution.

Methods

A retrospective chart review captured all patients in whom tracheostomy was performed or supervised by a trauma/critical care faculty member. Dates of hospital admission, ICU admission, intubation, discontinuation of mechanical ventilation, type and location of procedure, procedural complications, Injury Severity Score, charges, and patient demographics were collected. Percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) and open tracheostomy (OT) experiences were compared.

Results

Three hundred sixty-eight tracheostomies were performed (190 OT and 178 PT). The average time to tracheostomy (TTT) for PT patients decreased from 12.7 to 7.4 days. The average TTT for OT patients remained stable at 14.0 days. The complication rate was 3.5%, with 4 complications (1.5%) associated with OT and 9 complications (5.1%) associated with PT. All complications in the PT group occurred before using a single dilator system. The 9 complications in the PT group occurred among 5 surgeons, all before their 11th attempt. PT saves $444 in charges per procedure.

Conclusion

OT continues to be a safe method of performing tracheostomies. PT has a steep learning curve but can be mastered quickly. Benefits include a shorter time to tracheostomy, elimination of patient transport, and saving in charges. Initial PT attempts should be supervised by an experienced surgeon.     

Safety of percutaneous tracheostomy in obese critically ill patients: a prospective cohort study

Obesity has been described as a relative contraindication for percutaneous tracheostomy. The objective of our study was to examine the safety and complications of percutaneous tracheostomy in obese patients. We conducted a prospective cohort study of all consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous tracheostomy at a tertiary medical-surgical intensive care unit between May 2004 and October 2005. We compared percutaneous tracheostomy in obese patients (body mass index > or = 30 kg/m2) to non-obese patients. We documented the occurrence of the following complications: aborting the procedure, accidental extubation, conversion to surgical tracheostomy, paratracheal placement, the development of pneumothorax, major bleeding (requiring blood product transfusion or surgical intervention) or death. We also documented hypoxia, minor bleeding (requiring pressure dressing or suturing), subcutaneous emphysema and transient hypotension. During the study period, 227 percutaneous tracheostomies were performed. There were 50 percutaneous tracheostomies in the obese group and 177 in the non-obese group. In 45 obese patients, percutaneous tracheostomy was performed without bronchoscopic guidance. Major complications were significantly higher in obese patients (12% vs. 2%, P = 0.04), while the rate of minor complications was not significantly different between the two groups. There were no instances of death or pneumothorax, subcutaneous emphysema or need for surgical intervention during or in the postoperative period in either group. Our study suggests that percutaneous tracheostomy can be performed safely in the majority of obese patients.     

Endoscopic guided percutaneous tracheostomy: early results of a consecutive trial

Percutaneous tracheostomy is increasingly being used for patients needing prolonged ventilatory support. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of widespread application of endoscopic guided percutaneous tracheostomy. Sixty-one consecutive ICU patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation underwent bedside endoscopic guided percutaneous tracheostomy. Using a modified Ciaglia technique, a #6-10 tracheostomy tube was introduced between the second and third tracheal rings. Bronchoscopic transillumination facilitated identification of the appropriate tracheostomy site, and verified satisfactory placement of dilators and tracheostomy tube. There was one procedure-related death due to arrhythmia. Procedure-related complications included (n = 7): bleeding (controlled with local pressure), two infections, two cuff tears, and two obstructions of the tracheal tube. The tracheostomy was eventually removed in 13 patients. Bronchoscopic evaluation of three patients at 4 months post-tracheostomy removal was normal and there has been no clinical evidence suggestive of tracheal stenosis in the remaining ten extubated patients. There was a 50% reduction in cost when compared to operative tracheostomy. Percutaneous tracheostomy is a simple, safe, cost-effective bedside procedure for critically ill ventilator-dependent patients. Endoscopic guidance appears to increase the safety of this procedure and may prevent complications of pneumothorax, subcutaneous emphysema, and paratracheal false passage previously reported with blinded percutaneous methods.     

Percutaneous tracheostomy: technological development

PDT based on Seldinger's technique is gaining wide acceptance in ICU patients, but the procedure has undergone various modifications during the past thirty years. The ten most known procedures and the target of their innovating content are briefly examined. The incidence of complications desumed from the literature, wide in some cases and limited or absent in others, is also considered. In many cases, the technological modifications of original procedures had two fundamental objectives: to increase it's safety and to reduce the operator-depencence of the procedure. According to the review of the literature (and our experience too) the increasing interest for percutaneous tracheostomy is the justified conclusion of the technological development of some dilatative techniques. With an appropriate training and the continuous endoscopic guidance, it is possible today to perform PDT in critically ill patients of ICU with a very low total complication rate. Even if the comparison between different techniques is not rich enough on prospective randomized studies, the global low rate of hemorrhage complications, of wound infection and of poor cosmetic result are surely demonstrated and probably related to the small skin incision and the tight fitness between tissues and the tracheostomy tube.