A New Technique for Percutaneous Tracheotomy

Abstract

The objective of this study was to investigate a new technique for tracheal puncture during percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy (PDT). A new invention, known as SafeTrach, was used: this instrument allows exact localization of the puncture site with built-in protection of the posterior tracheal wall. Surgery was performed on 17 patients with this technique, and our experience is described in this report. The results showed that this new technique minimizes known risk factors compared with existing PDT techniques, including patients with disadvantageous anatomy.

Keywords: head and neck surgery; head and neck tumors; intensive care; percutaneous; tracheostoma; tracheostomy; tracheotomy; upper airway obstruction.