Recent developments in percutaneous tracheostomy: improving techniques and expanding roles

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to provide an update of recent developments pertaining to the use of percutaneous tracheostomy. Percutaneous tracheostomy has been established as an alternative to open surgical tracheostomy, but many key questions about the optimal use of this procedure remain unanswered. Issues in percutaneous tracheostomy that have been addressed in the recent literature include the optimal method, timing, use of percutaneous tracheostomy in emergencies, safety in high-risk populations, confirmation of tracheal puncture, and outcomes. Recent literature suggests that percutaneous tracheostomy is safe to use in an expanding population of patients, including patients with airway compromise and thrombocytopenia. Several methods seem to be safe alternatives to that originally described. Capnography has arisen as an alternative to bronchoscopy for confirmation of tracheal puncture. Recent evidence highlights that although tracheostomy may improve short-term outcome, these critically ill patients have a significant long-term risk of poor outcome. This must be taken into consideration when this procedure is offered.