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. 2025 Jul;91 Suppl 1(Suppl 1):101612.
doi: 10.1016/j.bjorl.2025.101612. Epub 2025 May 27.

Experimental model for percutaneous tracheostomy training

Caroline Schmiele Namur  1 , Kassem Samir Saleh  2 , Marianne Yumi Nakai  3 , Alexandre Baba Suehara  2 , Antonio Jose Gonçalves  2
Affiliations

Experimental model for percutaneous tracheostomy training

Caroline Schmiele Namur et al. Braz J Otorhinolaryngol. 2025 Jul.

Abstract

Objective: To propose a practical and accessible model that enables the training of this technique.

Methods: The model comprises a structure composed of a wood board resting on a PVC tube. A foam block on which the pig trachea is supported is placed on this structure. A foam sheet covered with fabric is placed over the trachea to simulate the soft parts of the neck and the skin. This is a practical training model for practice of surgeons in percutaneous tracheostomy. A questionnaire on the assessment of the proposed model to each participating surgeon was applied.

Results: Ten surgeons underwent training on the model: two experienced head and neck surgeons, three specialty residents, one otorhinolaryngologist, and three general surgery residents. All of them were able to perform the procedure successfully.

Conclusion: The proposed simulation model presented good results when applied to surgeons, and it is a possible alternative to percutaneous tracheostomy training.

Level of evidence: Level III.

Keywords: Learning; Tracheostomy; Training.

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Conflict of interest statement

Declaration of competing interest The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Wood board attached to the PVC tube with foam block on top (before the keel was cut).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Part of the model inferior to the pig trachea with the keel and Velcro fasteners.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Model with pig trachea without superior foam sheet.
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Bottom side of superior foam sheet with Velcro fasteners.
Fig. 5
Fig. 5
Complete assembled model.
Fig. 6
Fig. 6
Superior part of the pig trachea fixed with a needle.
Fig. 7
Fig. 7
Inferior part of the pig trachea fixed with a needle.
Fig. 8
Fig. 8
Model and material for performing the tracheostomy.
Fig. 9
Fig. 9
Beginning of the procedure. Palpation of the pig trachea.
Fig. 10
Fig. 10
Initial incision in the fabric that simulates the skin.
Fig. 11
Fig. 11
Divulsion of the foam that simulates the subcutaneous tissue.
Fig. 12
Fig. 12
Palpation of the pig trachea through the opening.
Fig. 13
Fig. 13
Passage of the needle through the pig trachea.
Fig. 14
Fig. 14
Passage of the guidewire.
Fig. 15
Fig. 15
Dilation of the opening in the pig trachea.
Fig. 16
Fig. 16
Dilatation.
Fig. 17
Fig. 17
Guide with the cannula to be inserted into the pig trachea.
Fig. 18
Fig. 18
Insertion of the cannula.
Fig. 19
Fig. 19
Removal of the guide and guidewire.
Fig. 20
Fig. 20
Cannula inserted in the model at the end of the procedure.
Fig. 21
Fig. 21
The Velcro fasteners allow the superior foam sheet to be lifted so that the success of the procedure can be verified.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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