Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy Research Articles

Evaluation of the Effect of Morphological Structure on Dilatational Tracheostomy Interference Location and Complications with Ultrasonography and Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy

Background: Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is the most commonly performed minimally invasive intensive care unit procedure worldwide. Methods: This study evaluated the percentage of consistency between the entry site observed with fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) and the prediction for the PDT level based on pre-procedural ultrasonography (USG) in PDT procedures performed using the forceps dilatation method. The effect of morphological features on intervention sites was also investigated. Complications that occurred during and after the procedure, as well as the duration, site, and quantity of the procedures, were recorded. Results: Data obtained from a total of 91 patients were analyzed. In 57 patients (62.6%), the USG-estimated tracheal puncture level was consistent with the intercartilaginous space observed by FOB, while in 34 patients (37.4%), there was a discrepancy between these two methods. According to Bland Altman, the agreement between the tracheal spaces determined by USG and FOB was close. Regression formulas for PDT procedures defining the intercartilaginous puncture level based on morphologic measurements of the patients were created. The most common complication related to PDT was cartilage fracture (17.6%), which was proven to be predicted with maximum relevance by punctured tracheal level, neck extension limitation, and procedure duration. Conclusions: In PDT procedures using the forceps dilatation method, the prediction of the PDT intervention level based on pre-procedural USG was considerably in accordance with the entry site observed by FOB. The intercartilaginous puncture level could be estimated based on morphological measurements.

Unlocking safety: Ultrasound's role in tracheostomy

Ultrasound imaging has become a valuable tool in Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy (PDT), aiding in airway assessment and management. However, the risk of complications, including bleeding, highlights the importance of careful pre-procedural evaluation and management to ensure patient safety. A 75-year-old female with hypoxic encephalopathy required prolonged mechanical ventilation and was scheduled for PDT. Prior to the procedure, ultrasound identified two vascular structures anterior to the laryngotracheal region, prompting consultation with the ENT surgery department and cancellation of the procedure at the bedside. Subsequent tracheostomy in the operating room proceeded without incident.

Ultrasound mapping of soft tissue vascular anatomy proximal to the larynx: a prospective cohort study.

Bleeding incidents during percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy are concerning, and most cases occur in patients with unrecognized and unanticipated anatomical variations in the vascular anatomy. However, the extent of this variation remains unclear. To address this knowledge gap, our study aimed to comprehensively map laryngeal vascular anatomy in a cohort of adult patients. Ultrasound assessments of the soft tissue in the neck were performed, spanning from the thyroid cartilage to the third tracheal ring and extending 2 cm laterally on both sidesperformed. We subdivided this area into 12 zones comprising four medial and eight lateral sections. A pre-planned form was used to document the presence of arteries or veins in each zone. The results are reported as odds ratios, 95% CIs, and corresponding P-values. Five-hundred patients were enrolled from August 14, 2023, to November 13, 2023, at the University Hospital of Padua. Arteries and veins were identified in all investigated zones (varying from a minimum of 1.0%-46.4%). The presence of invessels progressively increased from the cricothyroid membrane to the third tracheal ring and from the midline to the paramedian laryngeal area. Given the prevalence of arteries and veins, particularly in areas where tracheostomies are commonly performed, we strongly advocate for routine ultrasound assessments before such procedures are performed.

Succesful Management of Ischemic Stroke Patients with Pneumonia, Diabetes Mellitus and Hypertension in the ICU

Background:Stroke is one of the main causes of death worldwide. Although neurological complications are the leading cause of death, half of acute stroke patients may die from other medical complications, including pulmonary infections.Case Presentation :It has been reported that a patient aged 65 years with ischemic stroke who was treated in the ICU accompanied by diabetes mellitus, acute kidney injury, and hypertension. During treatment in the ICU the patient experienced complications of pneumonia. The patient underwent endotracheal intubation and ventilator installation as well as a percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT). During treatment the patient received antibiotic therapy, blood sugar regulation with insulin, administration of antihypertensive drugs. The patient experienced clinical improvement and was discharged from the ICU after 18 days of treatment and was subsequently treated in the HCU.Conclussion:The length of stay of stroke patients in the ICU requires attention, especially with regard to the problem of nosocomial infections that may accompany the patient during the treatment. If there is infection or other complications, appropriate selection of antibiotics and supportive therapy is necessary during treatment.

Comparing Simulation Training of Bronchoscopy-Guided Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy Using Conventional Versus 3D Printed Simulators (TRAC-Sim Study).

Background: Individual implementation rate of bronchoscopy-guided percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) varies among intensivists. Simulation training (ST) can increase the safety of medical procedures by reducing stress levels of the performing team. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of ST in PDT regarding procedural time, quality of performance, and percepted feelings of safety of the proceduralist and to compare conventional simulators (CSIM) with simulators generated from 3D printers (3DSIM). Methods: We conducted a prospective, single-center, randomized, blinded cross-over study comparing the benefit of CSIM versus 3DSIM for ST of PDT. Participants underwent a standardized theoretical training and were randomized to ST with CSIM (group A) or 3DSIM (group B). After ST, participants' performance was assessed by two blinded examiners on a porcine trachea regarding time required for successful completion of PDT and correct performance (assessed by a performance score). Percepted feelings of safety were assessed before and after ST. This was followed by a second training and second assessment of the same aspects with crossed groups. Results: 44 participants were included: 24 initially trained with CSIM (group A) and 20 with 3DSIM (group B). Correctness of the PDT performance increased significantly in group B (p < .01) and not significantly in group A (p = .14). Mean procedural time required for performing a PDT after their second ST compared to the first assessment (p < .01) was lower with no difference between group A and group B and irrespective of the participants' previous experience regarding PDT, age, and sex. Moreover, percepted feelings of safety increased after the first ST in both groups (p < .001). Conclusions: ST can improve procedural skills, procedural time, and percepted feelings of safety of the proceduralist in simulated PDT.

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy guided by rigid bronchoscopy in patients with cervical mass

Herein, we proposed the PDT guided by rigid bronchoscope in intubated patients with airway obstruction. The presence of cervical mass discouraged us to perform an open tracheostomy as it could result in more blood loss than PDT, while the use of rigid bronchoscopy rather flexible bronchoscopy could facilitate the execution of PDT due to better visibility and suction capacity. This strategy was successfully applied in three consecutive intubated patients with airway obstruction due to cervical mass.

Bronchoscopy guided percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy; performed by anaesthesiology residents

Aims: Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy can be performed safely at the bedside in critical patients today. Clinical studies on tracheostomy were mostly carried out by experienced healthcare professionals. This study was designed to investigate the differences of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy performed by anaesthesiology residents using two different methods. Methods: Patients hospitalized in anaesthesia intensive care unit who underwent percutaneous tracheostomy were examined. All tracheostomy procedures were performed by anaesthesiology residents using the “Griggs” or “Ciaglia” method. The procedure time, difficulty and complications of both methods were recorded. Results: 38 patients were included in the study. It was observed that 22 of the patients had tracheostomy with the Griggs technique, and 16 with the Ciaglia technique. Tracheostomy application time was measured as 6.05 minutes with the Griggs technique and 6.35 minutes with the Ciaglia technique (p=0.939). There was no difference in complications and technical difficulties between the two methods. Conclusion: In this study, where bedside bronchoscopy guided percutaneous dilatational tracheostomies were applied by two different methods by anaesthesiology residents, no difference was found between the two methods in terms of complications and technical difficulties. We believe that "Griggs" and "Ciaglia Blue Rhino", two of the percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy methods, are not superior to each other in terms of ease of use and complications in anaesthesiology education.

Increasing the precision of simulated percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy—a pilot prototype device development study

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is a bedside medical procedure which sites a new tracheostomy tube in the front of the neck. The critical first step is accurate placement of a needle through the neck tissues into the trachea. Misplacement occurs in around 5% of insertions, causing morbidity, mortality, and delays to recovery. We aimed to develop and evaluate a prototype medical device to improve precision of initial PDT-needle insertion. The Guidance for Tracheostomy (GiFT) system communicates the relative locations of intra-tracheal target sensor and PDT-needle sensor to the operator. In simulated "difficult neck" models, GiFT significantly improved accuracy (mean difference 10.0mm, ANOVA p<0.001) with ten untrained laboratory-based participants and ten experienced medical participants. GiFT resulted in slower time-to-target (mean difference 56.1 s, p<0.001) than unguided attempts, considered clinically insignificant. Our proof-of-concept study highlights GiFT's potential to significantly improve PDT accuracy, reduce procedural complications and offer bedside PDT to more patients.

Association Between Timing of Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheotomyand Clinical Outcomes of Critically-ill Elderly Patients.

To determine the effect of timing of tracheotomy on the outcome of critically-ill elderly patients. Descriptive study. Place and Duration of the Study: Intensive Care Unit, Jingxian Hospital, Anhui, China, from January 2017 to December 2021. Two hundred and thirty-five critically-ill elderly patients who had undergone percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy (PDT) were enrolled. The PDT-related complications and clinical outcomes were analysed. Overall, the PDT-related complications, including the amount of bleeding (6.1 ± 1.0 vs. 5.8 ± 0.9 vs. 5.8 ± 0.9,p<0.46) and wound infection [8(5.0%) vs. 2 (4.9%) vs. 3 (9.1%),p=0.62], showed no significant difference among the three groups. The length of ICU stay (13.3 ± 8.4 vs. 18.4 ± 17.8 vs. 24.1 ± 16.1 days,p<0.0001) in the very early PDT group was significantly shorter than that in the early and late PDT groups. The lowest hospital mortality rate [(59 (36.6%) vs. 28 (68.3%) vs. 15 (45.5%),p=0.0012)] was noted in the very early PDT group among the three groups, and a longer postoperative survival was recorded. A shortened length of ICU stay and a decreased hospital mortality were found in the very early PDT group, while a better postoperative survival rate was achieved. Percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy, Mortality, Outcome, Timing, Intensive care unit.

Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy in Patients Receiving Dual Antiplatelet Therapy

This cohort study investigates bleeding and mortality outcomes of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy among critically ill patients receiving dual antiplatelet therapy.

Cricothyrotomy - In Unanticipated Difficult Intubation Cases with Respiratory Compromise.

Introduction  Cricothyrotomy, percutaneous dilation tracheostomy, and tracheostomy are all cost-effective and safe techniques used in the management of critically ill patients who need an artificial airway other than endotracheal tube ventilation. The present study focused on enlightening on elective and emergency procedures performed on conditions present with difficult airways and also attempts to shed light on the aspects of securing an airway in anticipated and unanticipated difficult intubation. Objective  The objective of the study was to compare the three procedures conducted during difficult airway/failed intubation situations. Methods  The present retrospective observational study was conducted collecting data from patient files obtained at a tertiary healthcare center from 2013 to 2018. The difficult intubation cases were managed by ear, nose, and throat (ENT) surgeons. The study compared three methods: Cricothyrotomy, percutaneous dilation tracheostomy, and tracheostomy based on factors such as procedure duration, complications, and the instruments required for each procedure. Results  The study enrolled 85 patients, 61 males and 24 females, aged between 30 and 70 years old. To perform cricothyrotomy, only a simple blade was required. Cricothyrotomy had the shortest operating time (4.1±3.1 minutes) and the shortest time of full oxygen saturation (3 min). Percutaneous tracheostomy had the least amount of bleeding (1%). Cricothyrotomy significantly showed the least intraoperative bleeding than percutaneous dilation, tracheostomy, and tracheostomy ( p  = 0.001). Conclusion  Cricothyrotomy is preferable as it takes less time to perform, causes less bleeding, and takes the least time for full oxygen saturation than tracheostomy and percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy in "can't intubate, can't oxygenate" patients.

[Surgical and Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy - Technique and Pitfalls].

A tracheostomy is usually necessary for long-term mechanical ventilation or complicated weaning. Other indications include swallowing disorders with recurrent aspiration in neuromuscular disease and high-grade subglottic stenosis. The tracheostomy can be performed as a percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy or as a surgical tracheostomy. The complication rate is low, and intraoperative complications are differentiated from early and late postoperative complications. This article aims to present the indications, the techniques and complications of percutaneous dilatational and surgical tracheostomy, and highlights the long-term complications of tracheal stenosis and tracheomalacia.

Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy; Diagnosis and Mortality Rate in Intensive Care Saiful Anwar Hospital

Introduction: Tracheostomy is a common surgical procedure performed on critically ill intensive care patients. Reports have documented considerable associated morbidity, with complication rates varying from 6 to 66%. The reports on mortality associated with tracheostomy range from 0 to 5%. Since its introduction, percutaneous dilatational tracheostomies (PDT) have gained increasing popularity. The most commonly cited advantages are the ease of the familiar technique and the ability to perform the procedure at the bedside.7 This paper aims to study the mortality rate and diagnosis of patients who performed the percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy procedure in the ICU of Saiful Anwar Malang Hospital.&#x0D; Methods: Observational analytical research is carried out cross-sectionally. Data was collected from the medical records of patients undergoing PDT for the period July 2022 – October 2022. Statistical analysis using the Chi-square test.&#x0D; Results: From 39 subjects, 34 (87.2%) subjects experienced respiratory failure. The most common cause was HAP pneumonia (61.5%), followed by CVA (17.9%) and CAP pneumonia (12.8%); the rest were EDH, SAH, and ASD secundum, as much as 2.6%. The outcome was that 13 (33.3%) subjects died, and the rest survived and were transported to a care ward. Correlation between patient outcomes with respiratory failure p=0.735, with diagnosis p=0.309.&#x0D; Conclusion: The most common diagnosis of PDT is HAP pneumonia. There was no significant correlation between diagnosis and mortality of patients performed by PDT.

Can't intubate, can't oxygenate? What is the preferred surgical strategy? A retrospective analysis.

Cricothyrotomy (CTM) is currently recommended as the preferred method due to its ease, speed, and safety in life-threatening airway emergencies where standard tracheal intubation and mask ventilation fail. This retrospective study analyzed 33 cases of "can't intubate, can't oxygenate or ventilate" (CICOV): 12 of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) and 21 of CTM. The CTM group was younger (median age 44) and mainly consisted of trauma patients. The PDT group was more diverse and procedures were performed by anesthesia and critical care consultants. Initial success rates were 100% for PDT (12/12) and 86% for CTM (18/21), with one conversion from CTM to PDT. No perioperative complications occurred in the PDT group, while the CTM group experienced two cases of false tracts requiring re-do and three cases of bleeding. Immediate mortality within 24 hours was reported in 5/19 CTM patients and none in the PDT group. Successful liberation from mechanical ventilation at hospital discharge was achieved in 6/12 PDT patients and 11/21 CTM patients. Among the 21 CTM cases, all 16 survivors underwent subsequent tracheostomy. Tracheal decannulation occurred in 4/12 PDT patients and 10/21 CTM patients. Favorable immediate neurological outcomes (GCS ≥ 11T) were observed in 8/12 PDT patients and 8/21 CTM patients, while 3 PDT patients remained anesthetized until death and 7 CTM patients died within the first 72 hours without recovery attempts. In experienced hands, PDT could be a legitimate clinical option for the surgical airway in cases of CICOV. CTM may be more suitable for practitioners who encounter CICOV infrequently.

Comparison of percutaneous single-stage dilatational tracheostomy and surgical tracheostomy in critically ill patients: A randomized controlled trial.

This study was done to compare single stage percutaneous dilation tracheostomy (PDT) and open surgical tracheostomy (ST) in critically ill patients. A randomized controlled study was conducted on 60 critically ill patients admitted in the intensive care unit (ICU). The patients were randomized into ST or PDT group with 30 in each group. The duration of procedure and associated perioperative/postoperative complications were noted and compared. A total of 60 critically ill patients were included with 30 each in both groups. Compared to ST, PDT had significantly lesser mean duration of procedure (5 ± 1.64 vs. 21.33 ± 4.77 min, P < 0.0001) and comparable incidence of complications (3.33% vs. 20%, P = 0.103), which included 5-10 ml of bleeding (0% vs. 13.33%), cardiac arrest (0% vs. 3.33%), atrial fibrillation (3.33% vs. 0%), and tracheoesophageal fistula (0% vs. 3.33%). PDT performed in the ICU is a quick, safe, and reliable procedure with comparable complications to ST.

Yoğun Bakım Ünitesinde Fiberoptik Bronkoskopi Kılavuzluğunda Perkütan Dilatasyonel Trakeostomiye Karşı Klasik Kör Perkütan Dilatasyonel Trakeostomi: Komplikasyonlar, Mortalite ve Sonuçlar

Aim: This study aimed to compare percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) procedures performed with fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) guidance and classical blind technique regarding complications, mortality, and patient outcomes. Material and Methods: This study included 62 patients receiving mechanical ventilator support in the intensive care unit (ICU) between October 2022 and June 2023. Patients were randomized into two groups: those who underwent FOB-guided PDT (group FOB, n=31) and those who underwent PDT with the classical blind technique (group C, n=31). Demographic data, clinical characteristics, PDT procedure times, complications, and mortalities were analyzed. Results: The median age was 64 (range, 19-94) years, and 67.7% (n=42) of the patients were male. Demographic data were found similar between groups. The most common primary diagnosis in patients who underwent PDT was intracranial hemorrhages (32.3%, n=20). While the median tracheostomy opening time in the entire study group was 13 (range, 3-31) days, there was no significant difference between the groups (p=0.637). The mean PDT procedure time (9.6±3.8 vs 12.6±5.4 min, p=0.015), median ICU stay (26 vs 37 days, p=0.004), and complication rate (6.4% vs 25.8%, p=0.038) were found to be significantly lower in group FOB. While the 28-day mortality in the entire study group was 17.7% (n=11), there was no significant difference between the groups (p=0.740). Conclusion: In PDT procedures performed under FOB guidance, procedure time, length of stay in the ICU, and procedure-related complication rates were significantly lower, while no significant difference was observed in terms of mortality.

Impact of radiological surveillance for major blood vessels on complications of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy: A retrospective cohort study

PurposePercutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is the preferred method for managing long-term ventilator-dependent patients in ICUs. This study aimed to evaluate the association between preprocedural screening (ultrasound Doppler [USD] or computed tomography [CT]) for major neck blood vessels and complications in ICU patients undergoing PDT. Materials and methodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent PDT between 2012 and 2023 at a tertiary referral center. We performed a multivariable analysis and created a propensity-matched cohort. The primary outcome was bleeding within the first seven days after PDT. Secondary outcomes included early and late PDT complications and PTD-related mortality. ResultsA total of 1766 consecutive critically ill patients hospitalized at a tertiary academic hospital were evaluated for PDT. Of these, 881 (49.9 %) underwent only physical examination before PDT, while 885 (50.1 %) underwent additional imaging (CT/USD). A higher proportion of patients in the imaging group were referred to open surgery due to suspected major blood vessels interfering with the procedure (6.2 % vs. 3.0 %, p = 0.001). Among the 1685 patients who underwent PDT, there was no significant difference in the rate of early bleeding between the physical examination group and the imaging group (4.6 % vs. 6.3 %, p = 0.12). Similarly, the overall early complication rates (5.5 % vs. 7.6 %, p = 0.08), late complication rates (1.6 % vs. 2.2 %, p = 0.42), and PDT-related mortality rates (0.7 % vs. 0.6 %, p = 0.73) did not exhibit significant differences between the two groups. In a propensity score-matched cohort, results remained consistent. ConclusionsPhysical examination can effectively identify major neck blood vessels without increasing the risk of bleeding during and after PDT.

Indication, complication, and prognosis of fiberoptic bronchoscopy guided percutaneous dilatation tracheostomy opening in respiratory intensive care unit: a retrospective study.

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is a bedside applicable procedure in intensive care unit patients requiring long-term mechanical ventilation. Fiber optic bronchoscopy (FOB) makes it easier and reduces complications. Our study aimed to evaluate the indications, complications, and prognosis of PDTs performed with FOB. Our study included 114 patients undergoing PDT through FOB-guided Griggs method in the Respiratory Intensive Care Unit between January 01, 2018, and January 31, 2023. Among the patients undergoing PDT with FOB, 81 (71.1%) were male. The mean age was 62.1±11.5. The median Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score was 9, the median Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-II (APACHE-II) score was 19, and the median Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score was 8. Tracheostomy was opened for prolonged mechanical-ventilator requirement in 80 patients (70.2%), to protect the airway in 19 (16.7%), and for poor neurologic status in 15 patients (13.2%). Complications during the procedure included hypoxemia in 3 patients (2.6%), minor bleeding in 3 patients (2.6%), perforation of the FOB in one patient (0.8%), and perforation of the intubation tube cuff in one patient (0.8%). 79 patients (69.3%) were discharged, and 35 (30.7%) were exited. There was a significant difference between the GCS, APACHE-II, and SOFA scores of the patients discharged and those who exited (p < 0.001). FOB-guided PDT application should be encouraged as it reduces complications but it is still limited because it requires experienced specialists and equipment for a standard approach.

Comparative Study between Surgical Tracheostomy and Flexible Fiberoptic Endoscopic Guided Percutaneous Dilatation Tracheostomy in Intensive Care Unit Patients

Comparative Study between Surgical Tracheostomy and Flexible Fiberoptic Endoscopic Guided Percutaneous Dilatation Tracheostomy in Intensive Care Unit Patients

Comparison between Real-Time Ultrasound-guided Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy and Surgical Tracheostomy in critically ill Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Tracheostomy is an important procedure for critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU), and percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) has gained popularity due to its safety and effectiveness. However, there are limited data comparing ultrasound-guided PDT (US-PDT) with surgical tracheostomy (ST). In our previous study, we reported that US-PDT had similar safety and effectiveness to ST, with a shorter procedure time. However, the study design was retrospective, and the sample size was small. Therefore, we conducted a randomized controlled trial to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of US-PDT compared to ST. A total of 70 patients who underwent either US-PDT (n=35) or ST (n=35) were enrolled in the study between October 20, 2020 and July 26, 2022. The patients were randomly assigned to their respective procedures. The data collected included patient clinical characteristics, procedure time and details, complications, duration of ICU stay, time taken for weaning from mechanical ventilation, and hospital mortality. The procedure time of US-PDT was shorter than that of ST (4.0±2.2 minutes vs. 10.1±4.6 minutes). The incision length of US-PDT was also shorter than that of ST (1.5±0.5 cm vs. 1.8±0.4 cm). There were no statistically significant differences in demographics, procedure details, complications, length of ICU stay, ventilator weaning time, and hospital mortality. US-PDT has a similar complication rate and shorter procedure time compared with ST. It can be safely and effectively performed in critically ill patients and can serve as a potential alternative to ST.