BACKGROUND: Percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) is considered to be an accepted method in intensive care patients. In 2002 Frova and Quintel described a method of dilation that employed controlled rotation of the PercuTwist dilational device. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the new technique employed by an experienced team. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective, observational clinical study in 54 intensive care patients who required PDT. All tracheostomies were accompanied by bronchoscopic control. Vital parameters and perioperative complications were registered. RESULTS: In all 54 consecutive PercuTwist tracheostomies no severe complications were noted. Accidental tracheal ring fracture was noted in 7 patients while bleeding that needed surgical care occurred in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: The PercuTwist tracheostomy is a safe procedure for intensive care patients. More prospective studies that would compare the PercuTwist tracheostomy with the other PDT methods are necessary.
BACKGROUND: Percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) is considered to be an accepted method in intensive care patients. In 2002 Frova and Quintel described a method of dilation that employed controlled rotation of the PercuTwist dilational device. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the new technique employed by an experienced team. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospective, observational clinical study in 54 intensive care patients who required PDT. All tracheostomies were accompanied by bronchoscopic control. Vital parameters and perioperative complications were registered. RESULTS: In all 54 consecutive PercuTwist tracheostomies no severe complications were noted. Accidental tracheal ring fracture was noted in 7 patients while bleeding that needed surgical care occurred in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: The PercuTwist tracheostomy is a safe procedure for intensive care patients. More prospective studies that would compare the PercuTwist tracheostomy with the other PDT methods are necessary.
Authors: Christian Byhahn; Klaus Westphal; Dirk Meininger; Britta Gürke; Paul Kessler; Volker Lischke Journal: Intensive Care Med Date: 2002-07-23 Impact factor: 17.440