Use and safety of percutaneous tracheostomy in intensive care. Report of a postal survey of ICU practice

A brief questionnaire was sent to 231 clinical directors of intensive care units in England and Wales to investigate the use of percutaneous tracheostomy. There was a 76% response rate. Percutaneous tracheostomies were in use in 78.4% of units. The Ciaglia technique was the most commonly used, with 31.3% routinely using fibreoscopy as part of their technique. Only 12% of units routinely provided long-term follow up of their percutaneous tracheostomies. Overall, 78.4% thought that percutaneous tracheostomy was safe and 66.7% considered percutaneous tracheostomy to be the technique of choice for Intensive Care patients. Percutaneous tracheostomy is now a well-established technique. However, the limited use of fibreoscopy and the lack of long-term follow-up are areas of concern.     

经皮气管切开术在神经外科病人中的应用

目的 介绍经皮气管切开术在神经外科的应用经验。方法 对42例神经外科病人采用导丝扩张钳法行经皮气管切开术。结果 41例成功，1例改行正规的气管切开术。手术时间平均8．5min。无严重并发症及与手术操作有关的死亡发生。结论 经皮气管切开术简单、快速、损伤小，可在神经外科广泛应用。     

Percutaneous dilational tracheostomy

Tracheostomy is performed commonly to aid weaning from assisted ventilation in patients who require intensive care. The procedure carries a significant mortality and morbidity, in part due to problems in moving unstable patients. We report the use of a bedside percutaneous tracheostomy technique for use in adult patients who require intensive care. The procedure was successful in 19 of 20 cases. The one failure, in the first case, resulted from transection of a superficial midline vein. The lack of significant haemorrhage was notable in all other cases. The procedure has proved to be efficient and cost-effective in this unit and has now replaced conventional surgical tracheostomy in this group of patients.     

Long-term outcome after percutaneous dilational tracheostomy Endoscopic and spirometry findings

We studied 41 patients who had previously undergone percutaneous dilational tracheostomy at least 6 months following tracheal decannulation. The patients were examined using laryngotracheoscopy and spirometry to assess the long-term anatomical and functional consequences of percutaneous dilational tracheostomy. Apart from one patient who had requested a scar revision, no patient was symptomatic. A significant (>10%) tracheal stenosis was identified in four asymptomatic patients, two of whom also had spirometric evidence of this obstruction. These results suggest that the long-term outcome after percutaneous tracheostomy is at least as good as that following conventional surgical tracheostomy. Refinements of the percutaneous technique, such as endoscopic guidance, may further improve the results.     

Enlargement of existing tracheostome using percutaneous dilators

Children requiring long-term mechanical ventilation or with abnormalities of the upper airway may need a tracheostomy for prolonged periods of time. For these children, insertion of a larger tracheostomy tube may be required to match somatic growth. We describe a new method of enlarging the tracheal stoma in children, based on the existing technique of percutaneous dilational tracheostomy.     

Complications of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy in children

Experience with percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy in children is limited. This report discusses two significant complications which occurred following the use of this technique     

Percutaneous tracheostomy with the guide wire dilating forceps technique: presentation of 171 consecutive patients

BACKGROUND: Evaluation of percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) with the guide wire dilating forceps (GWDF) technique. METHODS: Prospective study of perioperative complications, retrospective analysis of early and late complications in an ICU in a teaching university hospital. RESULTS: The success rate of the procedure was 96.5%. The average procedure time in 171 consecutive patients was 5.0 min. Perioperative complications requiring surgical or medical intervention occurred in 6.4% of 171 patients. This included conversion to surgical tracheostomy, which was necessary in six patients (3.5%). Major complications while being cannulated occurred in 2.4% of 164 patients but seemed mostly unrelated with the GWDF technique itself. Late complications (after decannulation) were mostly minor and occurred in 22.6% of 106 patients. Only one patient (0.9%) had a symptomatic tracheal stenosis developed. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous tracheostomy with the guide wire dilating forceps technique is easy to perform at the bedside with few late complications. However, in our study, perioperative and immediate postoperative bleeding complications (minor and major) occur quite often.     

A laboratory comparison of two techniques of emergency percutaneous tracheostomy

This laboratory study was designed to compare the speed of placement of a percutaneous tracheostomy using two common methods and to evaluate any damage caused to the trachea. The same operator who was experienced with both techniques placed 10 percutaneous tracheostomies into a pig tracheal model, five using the Griggs tracheostomy forceps technique and five using the Ciaglia sequential dilatation technique. Placement of the tracheostomy was significantly faster using the Griggs technique (mean 89 s, range 69–105 s) than using the Ciaglia sequential dilator technique (mean 217 s, range 180–267 s). Damage to the posterior wall was noted in four of the tracheas. We concluded that the Griggs technique is rapid and in trained hands may be suitable for emergency airway access. In addition, the pig trachea model is easy to set up and provides a very useful training tool.     

Repeat percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy in an awake and unintubated patient

Bedside percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) has become an accepted method for securing airways in patients requiring prolonged ventilatory support. Repeat PDT in patients who have had a tracheostomy earlier is considered a relative contraindication as a result of distorted anatomy. Three case series have been reported supporting the safety of repeat bedside PDT in experienced hands, but there is no previously published data regarding repeat PDT in awake and unintubated patients. We report a case in which a repeat PDT was done on an awake 20-year-old female patient with cerebral palsy and kyphoscoliosis admitted owing to pneumonia and respiratory failure. This facilitated tracheal toilet in this patient without resorting to general anaesthesia and mechanical ventilation. In conclusion, both repeat PDT and awake PDT, both separately or together, can be very useful in the management of critical care and pre-critical care patients and merit wider use.     

Prospective evaluation of the retrograde percutaneous translaryngeal tracheostomy (Fantoni procedure) in a surgical intensive care unit: technique and results of the Fantoni tracheostomy

BACKGROUND: Controversy surrounds the safety and practicality of the retrograde percutaneous translaryngeal tracheostomy (Fantoni procedure) compared with other percutaneous methods. METHODS: We used the Fantoni tracheostomy for 245 patients in our intensive care unit (ICU) over a period of 3 years 6 months and conducted a prospective analysis. RESULTS: We are able to report a low incidence of complications (1.2%) with the Fantoni procedure. Advantages of the method are reduced tissue trauma and optimal adaptation of the stoma to the cannula, leading to less stomal bleeding and fewer infectious complications. We observed no procedure-related mortality. Under mandatory bronchoscopic control, proper puncture location and cannula placement are ensured, which prevents tracheal wall injury and paratracheal placement of the cannula. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience shows that the major advantage of the use of the Fantoni tracheostomy is the retrograde dilatation of the stoma, which prevents serious complications compared with other techniques.     

Portable ultrasonic scanning of the anterior neck before percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy

We used portable ultrasound scans to identify relevant anatomical structures in the necks of 30 patients before percutaneous tracheostomy. We identified the tracheal midline, thyroid isthmus and blood vessels and located a safe level for needle insertion. Anterior jugular veins were seen in 15 patients; eight were near the midline and were considered vulnerable. Three veins were more than 4 mm in diameter and these larger vessels were electively ligated. Four patients had arteries which were considered vulnerable to damage. All patients underwent successful percutaneous tracheostomy. Portable ultrasound provides a simple method of screening for vulnerable blood vessels in the neck and for locating the midline before percutaneous tracheostomy. This method is particularly suitable for patients with landmarks that are difficult to visualise or palpate. Based on the ultrasonic findings we can make an informed decision about referral for surgical tracheostomy.     

微创气管切开术在危重病人的应用

目的 探讨经皮穿刺扩张气管切开术在危重病患的应用。方法回顾本院1996-2000年间实施的28例危重病患经皮穿刺扩张气管切开术的手术时间、围手术期手术并发症及随访结果。结果 28例均顺利完成手术，手术期间无严重并发症发生，术中出血极少。随访最长18个月，美容效果好。结论 经皮穿刺扩张气管切开术是一种非常好的微创手术，只要经过严格训练并掌握适应证，可以满足绝大部分的临床需要，对危重病患尤为需要。     

Management of and indications for tracheostomy in care of the critically ill patient

Tracheostomy is a procedure that has evolved over many hundreds of years. In the 21st century, the majority of tracheostomies are now inserted by intensivists in the intensive care unit (ICU). Commonly performed to assist in weaning patients from mechanical ventilation, the procedure is performed using a percutaneous dilatational technique. Percutaneous tracheostomy can generally be performed safely in the ICU, although a number of contra-indications and complications do exist. Recent publications have highlighted weaknesses in the quality of care both in the immediate and longer term. Consequently, a number of organizations, based in the UK and internationally, have turned the focus in recent years to improving the quality of care delivered to these patients. Clinicians caring for patients with tracheostomies should not only be familiar with the indications, anatomy and insertion techniques, but also current guidance on routine care and the emergency management of complications.     

Use of the Combitube for airway maintenance during percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy

The Combitube airway allows short-term ventilation during cardiopulmonary resuscitation and can be useful in the management of the difficult airway. In a prospective observational study we assessed its use during percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT). Twenty-one intensive care patients scheduled for elective PDT had their tracheal tube replaced by a Combitube airway retaining the same ventilator settings. Arterial blood gases, airway pressures, SpO₂ and end-tidal CO₂ were measured as were the transmural pressures exerted by the Combitube cuffs. Combitube placement was successful in 20 of 21 patients although adequate ventilation was possible in only 17 (85%). There was no significant change in P a O ₂, S p O ₂, end-tidal CO₂, P a CO ₂ or mean airway pressure during Combitube ventilation. A high mean (SD) transmural pressure of 14.7 (5) kPa was exerted by the distal cuff. The Combitube provided a satisfactory alternative airway to the tracheal tube during performance of PDT in 85% of our patients. Potential problems associated with its use in intensive care patients are outlined.     

Management of and indications for tracheostomy in care of the critically ill patient

Tracheostomy is a procedure which has evolved over many hundreds of years. In the 21st century, the majority of tracheostomies are now inserted by intensivists in the intensive care unit (ICU). Commonly performed to assist in weaning patients from mechanical ventilation, the procedure is performed using a percutaneous dilatational technique (PDT). Percutaneous tracheostomy can generally be performed safely in ICU, although a number of contraindications and complications do exist. Recent publications have highlighted weaknesses in the quality of care both in the immediate and longer term. Consequently, a number of organizations, based in the UK and internationally, have turned the focus in recent years to improving the quality of care delivered to these patients. Clinicians caring for patients with tracheostomies should not only be familiar with the indications, anatomy and insertion techniques, but also current guidance on routine care and the emergency management of complications.     

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.     

纤维支气管镜直视下经皮微创气管切开术在重症监护室中的应用

目的评价纤维支气管镜直视下经皮微创气管切开术在重症监护室中的应用价值。方法选择70例需气管切开且无禁忌证的患者,随机分为纤维支气管镜直视下经皮微创气管切开术组(A组,30例)和传统开放式气管切开术组(B组,40例)。比较两组间手术时间,切口大小,出血量,安全性,血液、痰液窒息等并发症等方面的差异。结果 A组手术时间较B组明显缩短,切口小,出血量明显减少,安全性明显提高,其他并发症明显减少,差异均有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论纤维支气管镜直视下经皮微创气管切开术具有操作简便,创伤小,安全性高,成功率高,并发症少等优势,在重症监护室中具有较大的应用价值。     

Evaluation of a new technique for bedside percutaneous tracheostomy

BACKGROUND: Percutaneous tracheostomy as described by Ciaglia is accepted as a safe technique with minimal associated morbidity. Recent modification of the technique to a single-step dilator prompted us to evaluate this in the critically injured patient. METHODS: A comparison of patients undergoing percutaneous tracheostomy was performed. From May 1998 to May 1999, patients underwent surgery using the sequential multidilator technique (MDT), and from July 1999 to July 2000, patients underwent surgery using the single dilation technique (SDT). RESULTS: Ninety-three tracheostomies were performed, 49 MDT and 44 SDT. Time to tracheostomy and total ventilator days was similar between the groups. Three complications occurred. In the MDT group, 1 patient experienced delayed tracheal hemorrhage not requiring transfusion. In the SDT group, 1 patient had transient right lower lobe collapse, and another patient had unexplained extubation requiring emergent cricothyroidotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous tracheostomy using the single-step Rhino dilator technique is technically easier than the currently accepted multidilator technique with equivalent complications.     

Percutaneous technique for venovenous bypass including a heat exchanger is safe and reliable in liver transplantation

We have introduced and evaluated several modifications of the conventional venovenous bypass (VVBP) in 29 adult patients undergoing liver transplantation (OLT). A percutaneous technique for insertion of a jugular venous return cannula and a femoral vein cannula was applied. The inferior mesenteric vein (IMV) was used for splanchnic decompression, which facilitated dissection of the recipient liver and allowed portal anastomosis to be performed without disconnecting the portal bypass. A heat exchanger was introduced into the bypass circuit to prevent heat loss. The percutaneous technique prevented complications related to dissection in the axilla and groin. Hemodynamic characteristics corresponded to those found using the traditional technique. Complications related to the VVBP were seen in only one patient in whom the femoral catheter was accidentally introduced into the femoral artery. We conclude that percutaneous cannulas, use of the IMV for splanchnic decompression and the introduction of a heat exchanger offer significant benefits and that they are safe and reliable. Received: 23 August 1996 Received after revision: 14 January 1997 Accepted: 27 January 1997     

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.