Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomies in 2 Difficult Airways

Abstract

Ultrasound has become a rapid, safe, and easy-to-use tool for anesthesiologists. It reduces complications, morbidity, and mortality, especially in patients with anatomic abnormalities in whom a traditional approach may be both difficult and risky. We report 2 cases of symptomatic patients with a difficult airway due to displacement of the trachea by a neck mass. Real-time ultrasound imaging was performed for percutaneous dilatational tracheostomies, identifying important structures, without any complications.

Keywords: airway management; anesthesia; head and neck; neck neoplasm; tracheostomy; ultrasound.