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.     

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.     

Videobronchoscopic guidance makes percutaneous dilational tracheostomy safer

Background Percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) can be performed under either conventional bronchoscopic or videobronchoscopic guidance. Only the latter procedure provides the surgeon with direct visual information. This study prospectively assessed procedural parameters and complications of PDT guided by conventional bronchoscopy (CB) or videobronchoscopy (VB).Methods Consecutive intensive care unit (ICU) patients who underwent PDT were enrolled in this study. Videobronchoscopy was available in two ICUs, whereas CB was available in three ICUs. Demographic data, procedural variables, and complications were recorded.Results In this study, 36 patients underwent PDT guided by VB (group V), and 38 patients underwent PDT guided by CB (group C). The two groups were well matched in terms of gender, anatomic aspects, and positioning of the patient. Operating time, procedural difficulty, and extent of tracheal bleeding were not different between the two groups. Group V showed a tendency to younger age (p = 0.055). Surgeons significantly more often considered PTD to be completely safe in group V (92% vs 61% in group C). The skin incisions were smaller (p = 0.003), and the extent of stomal bleeding was less (p = 0.001). Complications were tendentiously less frequent in group V (5.5%) than in group C (23.7%; p = 0.062).Conclusions The surgeon performing PDT guided by VB has a higher degree of safety, resulting in less bleeding than with PDT guided by CB.     

A prospective randomised controlled trial of capnography vs. bronchoscopy for Blue Rhino percutaneous tracheostomy

A crucial step for successful percutaneous tracheostomy is the introduction of the needle and guide wire into the trachea. Capnography has recently been proposed as one way to confirm tracheal needle placement. In this randomised controlled study, we used capnography in 26 patients and bronchoscopy in 29 patients to confirm needle placement for percutaneous tracheostomy using Blue Rhino kit. The operating times and the incidence of peri-operative complications were similar for both groups. Capnography proved to be as effective as bronchoscopy in confirming correct needle placement.     

改良经皮扩张气管切开术与常规经皮扩张气管切开术效果对比

目的分析改良经皮扩张气管切开术与常规经皮扩张气管切开术的临床应用效果。方法选取2014-01—2015-12间在急诊科室以及ICU内需要接受气管切开的患者102例,按照手术方法分为2组。改良经皮扩张气管切开术患者设为观察组,常规经皮扩张气管切开术设为对照组。对比2组患者手术情况、手术费用、术中出血及术后并发症等。结果 2组患者的切口长度、手术时间、术中出血量、术后渗血量、切口愈合时间及并发症发生率差异均无统计学意义(P0.05)。但观察组的手术费用明显少于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05)。结论改良经皮扩张气管切开术在术后并发症、创伤性、操作性上具有与常规经皮扩张气管切开术相同的优势,但是更加安全、经济。     

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.     

Early tracheostomy versus late tracheostomy in the surgical intensive care unit

BACKGROUND: This study's purpose was to determine if early tracheostomy (ET) of severely injured patients reduces days of ventilatory support, the frequency of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), and surgical intensive care unit (SICU) length of stay (LOS). METHODS: This 2-year retrospective review included 185 SICU patients with acute injuries requiring mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy. ET was defined as 7 days or less, and late tracheostomy (LT) as more than 7 days. RESULTS: The incidence of VAP was significantly higher in the LT group, relative to the ET group (42.3% vs. 27.2%, respectively; P <.05). Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II scores, hospital and SICU LOS, and the number of ventilator days were significantly higher in the LT group. CONCLUSIONS: In patients who required prolonged mechanical ventilation, there was significant decreased incidence of VAP, less ventilator time, and lower ICU LOS when tracheostomy was performed within 7 days after admission to the SICU.     

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 tracheostomy: a clinical comparison of dilatational (Ciaglia) and translaryngeal (Fantoni) techniques.

A number of percutaneous procedures for tracheostomy have been established within the last few years, among them a new technique by Fantoni using a translaryngeal approach for cannula placement. To compare the new translaryngeal tracheostomy (TLT) to the common percutaneous dilatational technique (PDT), we prospectively studied 90 patients who required elective tracheostomy. Tracheostomy was performed according to either the Ciaglia or the Fantoni technique in 45 patients at bedside. The overall complication rate was 11.1% (n = 5) in PDT, including aspiration of blood (n = 4) and severe bleeding requiring surgical intervention (n = 1). During TLT, there were technical difficulties involving guidewire placement in 31.1% (n = 14), and one patient required conversion to PDT. No other complications were noted in TLT. Regardless of the technique used, the postoperative PaO2/FIO2 ratio was slightly lower than preoperatively (P was not significant). When PDT and TLT were compared, the postoperative PaO2/FIO2 ratio was significantly lower in PDT than in TLT (P < 0.05), whereas the preoperative levels did not vary significantly between PDT and TLT. During TLT, the PaCO2 increased significantly, whereas it remained stable throughout PDT. No infection of the tracheostoma was noted in either the PDT or the TLT. We therefore consider both the PDT and the TLT equally safe and attractive techniques for establishing long-term airway access in critically ill patients. IMPLICATIONS: Elective tracheostomy is a widely accepted procedure for gaining long-term airway access. Two techniques for percutaneous tracheostomy-the established Ciaglia method and the new translaryngeal Fantoni technique-were prospectively studied for perioperative complications and practicability in 90 critically ill-patients.     

Analysis of intracranial pressure changes during early versus late percutaneous tracheostomy in a neuro-intensive care unit

Background  We aimed to investigate intracranial pressure (ICP) changes during early versus late bedside percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) in a neuro-intensive care unit (NICU). Methods  This study included 30 patients admitted to our NICU for head trauma, subarachnoid haemorrhage, intracerebral haematoma or brain tumour with a Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) less than 8. These patients also underwent ICP monitoring. Bedside PT was performed either early (within 7 days of ventilation) or late (after 7 days of ventilation) via the Griggs system. In all patients; ICP, systemic blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation (Sat O₂) and arterial blood gases were recorded 5 min before the procedure, during skin incision, during tracheal cannulation, as well as 5 min and 10 min after the procedure. Findings  Thirty patients, 18 male and 12 female, with various intracranial pathologies between ages 18 and 78 (mean 38.7 ± 20) were identified. The admission GCS ranged between 4 and 11 (median 7). Physiological variables did not differ significantly between the two groups. In the early group, ICP values measured 5 min before the procedure, during skin incision, during tracheal cannulation, as well as 5 min and 10 min after the procedure were 15.1 ± 5.2, 22 ± 10.1, 28.4 ± 13.7, 17.3 ± 7.1, 13.8 ± 5.0 mmHg, respectively. In the late group, these values were 14.2 ± 4.5, 17.2 ± 5.5, 21.5 ± 8.0, 15.1 ± 5.3 and 12.4 ± 4.1 mmHg. There was no significant difference between the early or late groups in terms of ICP increases during these predetermined 5 time points. Conclusions  In patients with decreased intracranial compliance, a relatively minimally invasive procedure such as PT may lead to significant increases in ICP. The timing of PT does not seem to influence ICP, mortality, pneumonia or early complications. During the PT procedure, ICP should be closely monitored and preventive strategies should be instituted in an attempt to prevent secondary insult to an already severely injured brain.     

Ultrasonographically guided percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy after anterior cervical spine fixation

Patients with anterior cervical spine fixation (ACSF) after acute spinal cord injury often require tracheostomy for prolonged ventilatory support and upper respiratory tract clearance. The authors report two patients with ACSF who underwent a successful ultrasonographically guided percutaneous tracheostomy with dilatation forceps technique. Possible advantages of the ultrasonographically guided method with dilatation forceps in patients with ACSF are discussed.     

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.     

纤维支气管镜在经皮扩张气管切开术中的应用

目的 评估纤维支气管镜(FOB)对学习曲线内麻醉科医师行经皮扩张气管切开术(PDT)的应用价值。方法 选择2020年9月至2022年1月行PDT的口腔癌患者60例,男47例,女13例,年龄18～80岁,BMI 15～28 kg/m²,ASAⅡ或Ⅲ级。随机分为两组：FOB引导下的PDT组(FP组)和无FOB引导的PDT组(NP组),每组30例。两组均在全麻经鼻气管插管后行PDT,FP组自穿刺至气切导管置入均在FOB引导下进行,NP组在盲视下进行。本研究中操作者均为PDT经验尚在学习曲线内的麻醉科医师,即PDT操作例数≤20例。记录入室时和置入气切导管即刻(置管即刻)HR、MAP,置管即刻P_ETCO₂,切口长度、PDT时间、首次置管成功率。记录术中出血、低氧血症、气管导管滑脱、气管后壁损伤、气管环断裂、皮下气肿、气胸等并发症发生率。结果 与NP组比较,FP组PDT时间明显缩短(P<0.05),首次置管成功率明显升高(P<0.05),气管后壁损伤发生率明显降低(P<0.05)。两组置管即刻HR、MAP、 P<...     

Is post-sternotomy percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy a predictor for sternal wound infections?

OBJECTIVE: Early post-sternotomy tracheostomy is not infrequently considered in this era of percutaneous tracheostomy. There is, however, some controversy about its association with sternal wound infections. METHODS: Consecutive patients who had percutaneous tracheostomy following median sternotomy for cardiac operation at our institution from March 1998 through January 2007 were studied, and compared to contemporaneous patients. We identified risk factors for tracheostomy, and investigated the association between percutaneous tracheostomy and deep sternal wound infection (mediastinitis) by multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Of 7002 patients, 100 (1.4%) had percutaneous tracheostomy. The procedure-specific rates were: 8.6% for aortic surgery, 2.7% for mitral valve repair/replacement (MVR), 1.1% for aortic valve replacement (AVR), and 0.9% for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Tracheostomy patients differed vastly from other patients on account of older age, severe symptoms, preoperative support, lower ejection fraction, more comorbidities, more non-elective and complex operations and higher EuroScore. Risk factors for tracheostomy were New York Heart Association class III/IV (OR 6.01, 95% CI 2.28-16.23, p<0.0001), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (OR 1.84, 95% CI 1.01-3.37, p=0.05), preoperative renal failure (OR 3.57, 95% CI 1.41-9.01, p=0.007), prior stroke (OR 3.08, 95% CI 1.75-5.42, p<0.0001), ejection fraction<0.30% (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.23-6.07, p=0.01), and bypass time (OR 1.008, 95% CI 1.004-1.012, p<0.0001). The incidences of deep (9% vs 0.7%, p<0.0001) and superficial sternal infections (31% vs 6.5%, p<0.0001) were significantly higher among tracheostomy patients. Multivariate analysis identified percutaneous tracheostomy as a predictor for deep sternal wound infection (OR 3.22, 95% CI 1.14-9.31, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Tracheostomy, often performed in high-risk patients, may further complicate recovery with sternal wound infections, including mediastinitis, therefore, patients and timing should be carefully selected for post-sternotomy tracheostomy.     

Differential presentation of post tracheostomy bleeding: a case series

The relief of upper airway obstruction is one of the indications for tracheostomy. However, this procedure is not without its complications. We present a case series where post tracheostomy bleeding results in life-threatening sequelae in the form of torrential haemorrhage and sudden airway obstruction from clot. The latter presentation can present a diagnostic conundrum that could prove fatal if not rapidly identified.     

A retrospective survey of outpatients with long-term tracheostomy

BACKGROUND: The Respiratory Unit (RU) at Danderyd University Hospital opened in 1982, with the expressed goal of supporting outpatients with long-term tracheostomy. The primary aim of this retrospective study in tracheostomized patients was to compare the need for hospital care in the 2-year period before and after the tracheostomy. METHODS: Data were collected from patient medical records at the RU, from the National Board of Health and Welfare, Sweden and from the Official Statistics of Sweden. The subjects were RU patients in 1982 (Group 1, n = 27) and in 1997 (Group 2, n = 106) with long-term tracheostomy surviving at least 4 years after the tracheostomy. RESULTS: Both groups had few and unchanged needs for hospital care after tracheostomy. They spent > or = 96% of their time out of hospital. In 1997, (group 2) the number of patients, diagnoses and need for home mechanical ventilation had increased. Life expectancy was assessed for patients in Group 1. Data showed that they lived as long as an age-matched and gender-adjusted control cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term tracheostomy may not increase the need for hospital care and does not reduce life expectancy. These clinical observations were made in a setting where patients had regular access to a dedicated outpatient unit.     

Laryngotracheal stenosis: a serious complication of percutaneous tracheostomy

Tracheostomy in patients requiring prolonged artificial ventilation in intensive care is increasingly being performed by a percutaneous dilatational technique, in preference to the standard surgical method. Since its introduction numerous series have reported favourably on its general safety in the short-term, but there have been few reports of longer term follow-up of patients. We present four cases of laryngotracheal stenosis, a previously unreported complication associated with the technique, and discuss the relevance of these to the future practice of percutaneous tracheostomy.     

Percutaneous tracheostomy with single dilatation technique: a prospective,randomized comparison of Ciaglia blue rhino versus Griggs' guidewire dilating forceps

Percutaneous tracheostomy with single-step dilation technique using Griggs' guidewire dilating forceps (GWDF) is a well-recognized procedure. Recently, Ciaglia has introduced a one-step dilation technique using a curved, gradually tapered dilator, the Ciaglia Blue Rhino (CBR). In a prospective, randomized study, we performed percutaneous tracheostomy in 60 consecutive patients, using either the CBR or the GWDF technique. Postoperatively, all patients had bronchoscopy by a blinded consultant, and stoma characteristics and injuries to the trachea were studied. Mean tracheostomy time (skin incision to insertion of tracheostomy tube) in the two procedures (CBR 7.5 min versus GWDF 6.5 min) was not different (P > 0.05). The GWDF technique was associated with under-dilation and over-dilation of the tracheal stoma, each in almost one-third of patients. In the CBR group, the procedure was associated with a significant increase in peak airway pressure (P < 0.05) in all patients. There were nine cases of tracheal cartilage rupture, three cases of longitudinal tracheal abrasion, and one pneumothorax. Three patients had tracheal in-drawing at the scar site with huskiness of voice at 8 wk after decannulation; however, none had any breathing difficulty. We conclude that the techniques are equally effective in the formation of percutaneous tracheostomy. However, tracheal stoma over-dilation with GWDF and increase in peak airway pressure and rupture of tracheal rings with CBR remain major concerns. IMPLICATIONS: The tracheas of 60 patients were cannulated through an artificial opening by using a single-step dilation technique with Ciaglia Blue Rhino or Griggs' dilation forceps. The techniques were equally effective for cannulation of the trachea. However, Ciaglia Blue Rhino was associated with rupture of tracheal rings in one-third of patients and increased airway pressure in all, whereas the Griggs' technique was associated with under- or over-formation of the tracheal opening, each in one-third of patients.     

The use of cognitive task analysis to improve the learning of percutaneous tracheostomy placement

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the current study was to determine the effectiveness of using cognitive task analysis (CTA) to develop a curriculum to teach the behavioral skills and the cognitive strategies of a percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) placement. METHODS: Postgraduate 2, 3, and 4 general surgery residents were randomly assigned to either the CTA group (N = 9) or the control group (N = 11). The CTA group was taught percutaneous tracheostomy placement using the CTA curriculum. The control group received the traditional curriculum. RESULTS: The CTA group performed significantly higher on the PT procedure at 1 month (CTA: 43.5 +/- 3.7, control 35.2 +/- 3.9, P = .001) and at 6 months post-instruction (CTA: 39.4 +/- 4.2, control: 31.8 +/- 5.8, P = .004). In addition, the CTA group demonstrated superior cognitive strategies than the control group (CTA: 25.4 +/- 5.3, control: 19.2 +/- 2.0, P = .004). CONCLUSIONS: The use of CTA was effective in improving the cognitive processes and technical skills of performing a PT for surgical residents.