State of the art: percutaneous tracheostomy in the intensive care unit.

Percutaneous tracheostomy is a commonly performed procedure for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and offers many benefits, including decreasing ICU length of stay and need for sedation while improving patient comfort, effective communication, and airway clearance. However, there is no consensus on the optimal timing of tracheostomy in ICU patients. Ultrasound (US) and bronchoscopy are useful adjunct tools to optimize procedural performance. US can be used pre-procedurally to identify vascular structures and to select the optimal puncture site, intra-procedurally to assist with accurate placement of the introducer needle, and post-procedurally to evaluate for a pneumothorax. Bronchoscopy provides real-time visual guidance from within the tracheal lumen and can reduce complications, such as paratracheal puncture and injury to the posterior tracheal wall. A step-by-step detailed procedural guide, including preparation and procedural technique, is provided with a team-based approach. Technical aspects, such as recommended equipment and selection of appropriate tracheostomy tube type and size, are discussed. Certain procedural considerations to minimize the risk of complications should be given in circumstances of patient obesity, coagulopathy, or neurologic illness. Herein, we provide a practical state of the art review of percutaneous tracheostomy in ICU patients. Specifically, we will address pre-procedural preparation, procedural technique, and post-tracheostomy management. 2021 Journal of Thoracic Disease. All rights reserved.

Introduction

Tracheostomy is one of the oldest surgical procedures and is usually performed in patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilatory support. In 1957, Sheldon and Pudenz described a Seldinger method of percutaneous tracheostomy placement (1). However, the procedure did not become popularized until the introduction of the percutaneous dilatational method by Ciaglia in 1985 (2). Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) uses the insertion of a tracheal cannula by a modified Seldinger approach through the anterior tracheal wall, preferably between the 2nd and 3rd tracheal rings. This is followed by the insertion of a guidewire, and dilation is performed until the created stoma is large enough for the tracheostomy tube to be placed. The Ciaglia method is the most widely used PDT technique. Originally, it was described using serial dilators (2) but has since been modified to a single conical dilator, such as the Ciaglia Blue Rhino®, and radial balloon dilation technique with the Ciaglia Blue Dolphin® Percutaneous Tracheostomy Tray (Cook Medical, Bloomington, IN, USA). PDT is now recognized as a safe and cost-effective alternative to surgical tracheostomy (ST) in select patients (3,4).

Tracheostomy in the ICU

Tracheostomy has many benefits compared to endotracheal intubation, including improved patient comfort, decreased need for sedation, effective communication, airway clearance, and oral care (5). It also shortens the ICU length of stay and provides physiologic benefits by decreasing the work of breathing compared to endotracheal tubes (ETTs). The resistance to laminar gas flow through a tube is represented by Poiseuille’s equation, R α (viscosity × length)/r4. Tracheostomy tubes are shorter in length than ETTs, thus decreasing airway resistance. A variety of tracheostomy tubes are available, and those with a longer radius of curvature and smoother inner surface contribute to lower flow resistance (6). They are also more rigid and less likely to be kinked (7). A higher tracheostomy tube diameter also decreases the work of breathing (8) .

Surgical versus percutaneous tracheostomy

Both STs and PDTs can be performed safely in critically ill patients with a low incidence of complications. A meta-analysis of 22 studies (1,608 patients) demonstrated no significant difference in rates of mortality, intraoperative hemorrhage, and postoperative bleeding between the two procedures (9). Another meta-analysis that included 1,795 procedures found no significant difference in the risk of a potentially life-threatening event (3). There was also no significant difference in complications of false passage or subglottic stenosis in another large meta-analysis (10).

In addition to comparable safety, PDT offers several benefits compared to ST. PDT has been shown to have a lower rate of wound infection and stomatitis (3,9,11,12), shorter procedural time (9,10,13,14) and decreased costs (4,10). One prospective observational study identified significantly lower rates of tracheal tube obstruction (1.0% vs. 3.6%, P=0.007) and displacement (1.3% vs. 4.8%, P=0.002) with PDT compared to ST (15). There is also a lower rate of unfavorable scarring with PDT; although, the evidence for this is of low quality (11). PDT should be considered the procedure of choice for elective tracheostomies in eligible critically ill patients.

Timing of tracheostomy

There is no consensus on the optimal timing of tracheostomy in ICU patients, and available studies are heterogenous. A Cochrane review that included 8 studies totaling 1,977 patients evaluated clinical outcomes of early (≤10 days of mechanical ventilation) versus late (>10 days) tracheostomy. The early tracheostomy group had a lower mortality risk with a risk ratio 0.83 (95% CI, 0.70–0.98, P=0.03); however, the authors indicated that the results are only suggestive due to the lack of high quality evidence for specific subgroups (16). Other studies have demonstrated no mortality benefit of early tracheostomy (17-21). A meta-analysis of 13 trials (2,434 patients) demonstrated that all-cause mortality was not significantly lower in patients with an early (≤7 days of mechanical ventilation) versus late (>7 days) tracheostomy (17).

The effect of early tracheostomy on lowering the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia is similarly unclear, with some studies demonstrating a risk reduction (17,22) and others, none (19-21). Data on the impact of early tracheostomy on ICU-free days and duration of mechanical ventilation are also conflicting (16,18-23). Thus, it is understandable why the timing of tracheostomy significantly varies in practice (24). With no clear superior benefit of early tracheostomy, the clinical decision should consider the patient’s prognosis, ability to wean, comorbidities, and risks associated with prolonged endotracheal intubation.

Ultrasound (US) use in PDT

Ultrasonography is a useful adjunct in PDT for the pre-procedural evaluation, intraoperative use, and post-procedure assessment of complications. US is an inexpensive, noninvasive tool that is readily available in most ICUs, and its use may improve the safety of PDT. It has been used prior to the procedure to select the puncture site and avoid injury to aberrant blood vessels (25,26) and during the procedure as real-time guidance at the puncture site and to monitor for cranial misplacement of the tracheostomy tube (27-30). One of the limitations of intraoperative use of US alone is the inability to visualize the posterior wall of the trachea due to intraluminal air; thus, injury to the posterior membrane cannot be completely avoided (31).

Pre-procedure use

A linear array US probe can be used to identify the thyroid and cricoid cartilages, tracheal rings, thyroid gland, and the carotid and jugular vessels. Vascular structures can be further evaluated by doppler. US can help ensure accurate placement of the introducer needle, estimate the distance from the skin to the trachea, identify important vascular anatomical locations, and prevent vascular complications (32). A small study evaluated the use of US prior to PDT in 72 patients, and the planned puncture site was changed in 17 patients (24%) to avoid injury to subcutaneous vessels (25). Forty-one percent of patients in one study were found to have a vessel, most commonly veins, overlying the planned percutaneous tracheostomy insertion site on neck US (33).

Intraoperative use

Real-time use of US in a randomized controlled trial resulted in a higher proportion of accurate tracheal puncture (87% vs. 50%, P=0.006) and first-pass success rates (87% vs. 58%, P=0.028) compared to the use of traditional anatomical landmarks (27). A randomized prospective study of 80 patients compared the use of bronchoscopy- versus US-guided PDT. The bronchoscopy group did not have a pre-procedure US. The entry location was changed in 15% of patients in the US-guided PDT group. This group also had lower rates of hemorrhage (2.5% vs. 20%, P=0.014) and significantly shorter procedure time (7.92±1.00 vs. 10.0±1.41 min, P=0.001). Hemorrhage included minor (resolved with pressure) and major events (bleeding despite compression, requiring transfusions or surgical intervention) (34). A systematic review of 4 studies including 588 patients found that US-guided PDT had similar rates of procedural-related and clinical complications compared to bronchoscopy-guided PDT but reduced the rates of minor complications when compared to anatomical landmark-guided PDT (35).

Post-procedure use

US can also be used post-procedurally to evaluate for a pneumothorax; however, there have been no studies to date specifically evaluating its use post-PDT. More prospective studies are needed to determine the impact of US use for PDT.

Bronchoscopy use in PDT

Flexible bronchoscopy provides real-time visual guidance from within the tracheal lumen and is used in about 83–98% of tracheostomies performed in the ICU (36,37). Its use has shown to reduce the risk of paratracheal puncture and injury to the posterior tracheal wall, and it confirms proper positioning of the tracheostomy tube above the carina (38). In one study, bronchoscopy-guided PDT was associated with lower rates of accidental extubation, pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, and false passage (39). Although a prospective trial by Berrouschot et al. found no difference in the rate of perioperative complications with and without bronchoscopy-guidance (7% vs. 6%, respectively), the more severe complications occurred in the group without bronchoscopy-guidance, including one death due to tension pneumothorax and two cases of perforation of the posterior tracheal wall (40).

Several retrospective studies evaluated the use of bronchoscopy-guided PDT versus no use of bronchoscopy and found no difference in the rate of complications, but there was potential decreased costs in the no-bronchoscopy group (41,42). Although bronchoscopy guidance cannot completely avoid injury to the airways, it may help in early detection of a complication. It is also important to use in patients who have a difficult anatomy, limited neck extension, or obesity. Nevertheless, bronchoscopic transillumination of the puncture site may help avoid major vascular structures, such as the thyroid isthmus and the anterior jugular vein (43).

The use of bronchoscopy in PDT has been associated with transient respiratory acidosis from an increase in hypercarbia secondary to the partial occlusion of the ETT lumen by the bronchoscope (44-46). This can be overcome with appropriate ventilator setting changes, the use of a smaller diameter bronchoscope, minimizing suctioning during bronchoscopy, and shortening the length of time the bronchoscope is in the ETT (47). Although transient hypercarbia is usually tolerable, special attention needs to be given to patients with intracranial injury/surgery, in which this acidosis can lead to elevated intracranial pressure and decreased cerebral perfusion pressure (44,47). For patients with an unstable neurological condition or significant hypoxia with high FiO2 and positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) requirements, end-tidal CO2 monitoring and short bronchoscopy cycles are essential. In addition, the needle entry could be performed with US-guidance, then subsequently confirmed with bronchoscopy to mitigate risks of hypercarbia. Otherwise, we recommend the use of bronchoscopy-guidance when possible. Ensuring that the inside diameter of the ETT is ≥2.0 mm larger than the outside diameter of the bronchoscope will help to maintain delivery of tidal volume and minimize the development of auto-PEEP (48).

PDT

Preparation

The patient’s medical history, vital signs, coagulation profile (PT, INR, aPTT, platelet count), available imaging (CT/US neck), prior endotracheal intubation procedural details, ventilator settings, and suctioning needs are assessed. Indications and any contraindications to PDT are identified.

Examination of the neck is performed after appropriate patient positioning. Placing a roll beneath the patient’s shoulders improves neck extension, which increases the suprasternal length of the trachea and facilitates identification of landmarks by palpation. The suprasternal length can be reduced in patients with limited neck mobility, morbid obesity, or kyphosis. The hyoid cartilage is identified first when palpating from the chin down in midline. Then, the thyroid cartilage, cricothyroid membrane, and cricoid cartilage are identified in order. The tracheal rings are palpated distal to the cricoid. A good practice is to use a skin marker to label the thyroid and cricoid cartilages, the incision site, and the suprasternal notch (). US can be used to identify structures and vessels (). Ideally, there should be a space of at least 3–4 cm between the cricoid cartilage and the sternal notch, and the incision is typically located halfway between the two (49).

Figure 1

Neck with anatomical landmarks identified.

Figure 2

Neck ultrasound image performed with a linear array probe. The 1st-3rd tracheal rings are labeled. C, cricoid cartilage.

Mechanical ventilation should be adjusted to deliver 100% FiO2 and ensure adequate minute ventilation to account for changes during bronchoscopy. Blood pressure should be monitored every 2–3 minutes with continuous pulse oximetry, capnography, and ECG. It is often helpful to turn the volume on for the pulse oximetry and to make sure that the blood pressure cuff is not on the same extremity as the oximeter. A functional intravenous access should be identified. For bedside PDT, the hospital mattress can be placed on maximum inflate to facilitate neck extension with a shoulder roll and the bed height adjusted based on the preference of the physician performing the tracheostomy.

Equipment and team

A list of recommended equipment for PDT is listed in . The positioning of team members and location of equipment for a bedside bronchoscopy-guided PDT is illustrated in , if the physician performing the tracheostomy is right-handed. It is important that the vital signs monitor and bronchoscopy images are easily viewable for all team members. The physician performing the bronchoscopy stands at the head of the bed, should be proficient in airway management, and can also direct the administration of sedation and medications. The bronchoscopist’s role during the procedure is to provide optimal intra-tracheal visualization for real-time PDT guidance. The physician performing the tracheostomy stands on the patient’s right with equipment easily accessible. This operator’s role includes providing clear instructions to the multidisciplinary team members during the procedure. The respiratory therapist is in a position to adjust the ventilator and the ETT, and the nurse is able to administer medications through a working intravenous line. Closed-loop communication is essential to optimize teamwork.

Table 1

Pre-procedural preparation and recommended equipment for PDT

Patient review

Medical history

Vital signs, coagulation profile, kidney function

Medication list, including vasopressors and sedatives

Therapeutic anticoagulation was appropriately held

Indications and contraindications to PDT

Prior endotracheal intubation procedural details, ETT size, ventilator settings, and suctioning needs

CT neck or CT chest, if available

Perform US exam of the neck

Informed consent was obtained

Functional intravenous access

Medications to be readily available

Sedation

Analgesia

Neuromuscular blocker

Vasopressor

Intravenous fluid (IVF)

Recommended equipment

Ultrasound

Bronchoscope and cart

Tracheostomy kit

Variety of tracheostomy sizes

Sterile procedure equipment—gowns, gloves, drapes, chlorhexidine

Marking pen

Airway cart/box, including BVM

Electrocautery or Bovie

Shoulder roll

Sterile water

Tracheostomy sign

Adjustment of mechanical ventilation

Increase FiO2 to 100%

Ensure adequate minute ventilation

Monitoring

Continuous pulse oximetry, capnography and ECG

Frequent blood pressure monitoring every 2–3 minutes

Figure 3

Optimal configuration of tracheostomy team members for bedside PDT. PDT, percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy.

Selection of tracheostomy size and type

The selection of appropriate tracheostomy tube size and type depends on the patient’s sex, weight, current ETT size, suctioning needs, and careful review of available neck CT or US imaging to estimate lengths. Measurements to consider on a CT chest are distance from the skin to trachea, tracheal diameter, and angle of curvature; however, the CT is usually obtained without neck extension. Tracheostomy tube dimensions to consider include inner diameter (ID), outer diameter (OD), length, and curvature. The published ID of the tube is the functional ID, so it includes the inner canula if it is required for connection to the ventilator. If the ID is too small, then airway clearance may be impaired, and a higher cuff pressure may be required to create a seal in the trachea. If the OD is too large, it can hinder the ability to speak when the cuff is deflated.

Tracheostomy tubes can be angled (straight and curved portions) or curved (uniform angle of curvature). If a curved tube is too short, it can obstruct against the posterior tracheal wall. The shape should be selected to most approximate the patient’s airway anatomy. Tracheostomy tubes also come in standard length or extra length. The proximal (horizontal) extra length tubes may be required in patients with large necks while the distal (vertical) extra length tubes are used in patients with tracheal malacia (50). The tracheostomy should fulfill its function but without causing undue pressure on the tracheal wall (51). The available tracheostomies that can be placed via PDT are listed in and . It is important to have several options available for the procedure.

Table 2

Available tracheostomies that can be used in PDT

Type	Inner diameter (mm)	Outer diameter (mm)	Length (mm)	Introducer size (Fr)
Portex Per-fit 7	7.0*	9.6	82
Portex Per-fit 8	8.0*	10.9	86	24
Portex Per-fit 9	9.0*	12.3	93	24
Shiley 6 PERC	6.4	10.8	74	26
Shiley 8 PERC	7.6	12.2	79	28
Shiley 8 SCT	8.0	10.9	89	24
Shiley 6 XLT	6.0	11.0	95	24
Shiley 7 XLT	7.0	12.3	100	26

*, the inner diameter is 1.0 mm less with the inner cannula.

Figure 4

Anterior and lateral views of 3 different tracheostomy tubes used in PDT placement. Although these have similar O.D.s, note the differences in the I.D. and length. (A) Shiley 6PERC (I.D. 6.4 mm, O.D. 10.8 mm, length 74 mm). (B) Shiley 8SCT (I.D. 8.0 mm, O.D. 10.9 mm, length 89 mm). (C) Shiley 6XLT (I.D. 6.0 mm, O.D. 11.0 mm, length 95 mm). PDT, percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy.

Procedure technique with Ciaglia Blue Rhino

The Blue Rhino technique is a modification by Ciaglia in 1999 of his original percutaneous approach—the rigid serial dilators were replaced with a single long flexible conical dilator with a hydrophilic coating (2,52). This modification shortened the dilation process to one step and minimized the risk of major bleeding and injury to the posterior membrane (53). We describe the procedure technique with the Ciaglia Blue Rhino, recognizing that there are different variations in actual practice.

The patient is adequately sedated, and then neuromuscular blockade is given at the discretion of the proceduralist. The authors recommend the use of paralytics to decrease the risk of inadvertent extubation, especially when the ETT is high. The bronchoscopist performs an airway inspection with therapeutic aspiration of any secretions. The operator preps and drapes the neck and prepares the tray (). The selected tracheostomy should be checked for any air leaks, ideally under sterile saline or water. During deflation of the tracheostomy cuff, flattening of the balloon towards the flange can assist with making it more streamlined in preparation for placement. It is also important that the appropriate size introducer is used, and the tracheostomy is flush with the tapered tip ().

Figure 5

Ciaglia Blue Rhino tray prepped. The black box includes a 12 mL syringe filled with 10 mL of lidocaine with epinephrine and a 25G needle attached, 22G needle, #15 scalpel, mosquito hemostat, 15G catheter access needle (7 cm long), guidewire, and 14 Fr dilator (4.5 cm long). The white box demonstrates the white 8Fr guiding catheter already loading into the Blue Rhino percutaneous tracheostomy introducer and 24, 26, and 28 Fr soft tracheostomy loading dilators. There are also two 15G one-part percutaneous entry needles, 5 and 7 cm long, available in the kit.

Figure 6

Loading dilator with the tracheostomy. (A) Demonstrates the tracheostomy tube is too far out; thus, creating a lip/step formation (circle). (B) Shows the loading dilator is too far out, also creating a step formation (circle). (C) Image of the ideal protrusion where the loading dilator is streamlined and flush with the tracheostomy tube.

Ideally, the skin incision and blunt dissection are performed prior to pulling up the ETT to minimize the loss of ventilation. The operator provides local anesthesia to the skin and subcutaneous tissues at the incision site with 10 cc of 1% lidocaine with 1:100,000 epinephrine (available in the tray), which also causes vasoconstriction. Then, a 1–1.5 cm vertical or transverse skin incision is made. In most cases, blunt dissection of the pre-tracheal tissue down to the strap muscles using a mosquito clamp is performed to prepare the site for the introducer needle and to avoid injury to blood vessels and the thyroid isthmus. The dissection is performed with the dominant hand, while the other hand stabilizes the trachea (). Gentle pressure with the clamps helps to identify the tracheal rings.

Figure 7

Dissection is performed with the dominant hand, while the other hand stabilizes the trachea.

Then, the respiratory therapist partially deflates the cuff of the ETT and withdraws the tube under bronchoscopic guidance until the distal end is in the subglottic space and the 1st and 2nd tracheal rings are visible. The ideal puncture site and authors’ preference is between the 2nd and 3rd tracheal rings. Puncture below the 4th ring can be associated with higher bleeding risk and development of trachea-innominate artery fistulae (54), whereas a higher entry site increases the risk of subglottic stenosis.

The bronchoscopist then drives the bronchoscope down to the main carina and orients the scope such that the carina is vertical, pointing towards 12 o’clock. Then, the bronchoscope is pulled straight back without rotation to the distal end of the ETT. This allows the operator to orient the introducer needle insertion, which should be between 11 o’clock and 1 o’clock. In the authors’ opinion, this is an important concept to avoid lateralization of the forces during dilation and to prevent cartilage injury which could result in subsequent deformity or stenosis. Once the needle is inserted in appropriate position between the tracheal rings under direct bronchoscopic visualization, the needle is removed, and the catheter is left in place. Using the Seldinger technique, the J-tipped guidewire is inserted through the catheter. (Some users may opt to use an introducer needle without the catheter and thread the guidewire directly through the needle.) The catheter is then removed over the wire, and a short 14 Fr dilator (4.5 cm) is used to dilate the track. It is important that the non-dominant hand stabilizes the trachea during any dilation to provide counter-traction ().

Figure 8

Bronchoscopic images during PDT. (A) Bronchoscopic image of the main carina oriented to 12 o’clock. (B) The same bronchoscopic orientation is maintained in the subglottic space, and the 15G catheter access needle is shown, penetrating the trachea between the 2nd and 3rd tracheal rings at 12 o’clock. (C) Guidewire within the tracheal lumen. (D) Visualization of the 14Fr dilator over the guidewire. (E) Entry of the guiding catheter with the tip of the percutaneous tracheostomy introducer. (F) Visualization of the introducer. (G) Placement of the tracheostomy with appropriate apposition of the cuff. (H) Bronchoscopic view of the distal end of the tracheostomy appearing co-axial. (I) Example of a tracheostomy that is facing the posterior membrane, causing intermittent obstruction.

The conical large dilator, which should be covered with sterile saline or water, is advanced over the guiding 8Fr bolstering catheter to the knob. Then, the conical large dilator with the catheter is advanced over the guidewire until the black skin line is just visible inside the trachea. The stoma should be dilated using a curved motion with the dominant hand while the non-dominant hand stabilizes the trachea for counter-traction. Care should be given to avoid injury to the posterior membrane, especially in patients with tracheomalacia. To avoid posterior tracheal wall injury, the guidewire and bolstering catheter should be firmly stabilized during PDT (55). The dilator is removed, and the tracheostomy tube with introducer is advanced over the guiding catheter. It is important that the guiding catheter, introducer, and tracheostomy are all flushed against each other to minimize kinking of the tracheostomy, especially for the Shiley® PERCs. Lubrication is applied to the outside of the tracheostomy tube tip. Once the tracheostomy is placed, the guidewire, guiding catheter, and introducer are all removed. The bronchoscopist then confirms the tracheostomy tube is in the airway and disconnects the mechanical ventilator circuit from the ETT. Thereafter, the tracheostomy cuff is inflated, the inner cannula is placed, and the mechanical ventilator circuit is connected via a bronchoscope adapter. It is important that ventilation is not performed through the ETT with the tracheostomy cuff inflated to minimize the risk of developing pneumomediastinum.

Through the ETT, the bronchoscope is used to visualize adequate apposition of the cuff. Then, it is removed and inserted through the tracheostomy. The distal end of the tracheostomy should be at least 1–2 cm above the main carina. It may be helpful to visualize the distal end of the tracheostomy with the patient’s head flexed with a pillow and the neck in the neutral position. This allows for assessment of co-axiality of the tracheostomy. If the distal end is facing the posterior membrane or anterior trachea, then it may need to be exchanged. After the bronchoscope is removed from the tracheostomy, the tracheostomy tube is secured with a neck tie, with or without sutures per institutional policy, and an appropriate dressing is applied.

Difficulties commonly encountered during the procedure may be due to the skin incision being too small, inadequate neck extension, suboptimal dilation, incorrect selected tracheostomy tube size, or lack of enough lubrication for tracheostomy tube placement.

Procedure technique with Ciaglia Blue Dolphin

The Ciaglia Blue Dolphin tracheostomy technique, a balloon-assisted tracheostomy, was introduced in 2008, but it has been discontinued by the manufacturer. It utilizes a saline-filled balloon dilator that comes with an inflation syringe, and inflation pressures correlating to balloon size are available in the kit. The balloon is made of a non-compliant nylon that retains its shape under pressure. It is recommended to maintain the pressure for 15 seconds to achieve the desired stoma size. The tracheostomy tube, which is loaded directly onto the device, is then advanced through the stoma over the guidewire. Then, the guidewire and the balloon dilator are removed, and the tracheostomy tube is secured in place (56-58).

Sanabria published a systematic review including 14 randomized controlled trials comparing the different PDT methods (59). Only one study compared the Ciaglia Blue Rhino versus the Ciaglia Blue Dolphin. The median procedure time in the Blue Rhino group was shorter (1.5 vs. 4 min, P=0.035). In addition, the presence of intra-tracheal minor bleeding at bronchoscopy examination 6 hours post-procedure was more frequently seen in the Blue Dolphin group (68.8% vs. 34.3%, P=0.008). No major bleeding occurred in either group (60).

Special populations

Neurocritical care patients

Tracheostomy in neurocritical care patients carries the risk of hypoventilation, hypercarbia, increased intracranial pressure, and decreased cerebral perfusion pressure, which can lead to secondary brain injury in an already injured brain (47,61,62). As mentioned earlier, techniques to help mitigate these risks include appropriate ventilator setting changes, the use of a smaller diameter bronchoscope, minimizing suctioning during bronchoscopy, and shortening the time the bronchoscope is in the ETT. It is also important that the procedure be performed in a controlled environment with an institutional protocol that includes close intracranial pressure (62) and end-tidal CO2 monitoring. PDT can be safe and well-tolerated in patients with brain injury.

The timing of tracheostomy (early vs. late) has been investigated in several large retrospective and small prospective studies in patients with brain injuries. Several studies have demonstrated a reduction in the duration of mechanical ventilation (63-67). Three small randomized studies that included a total of 81 patients with brain injuries also found a reduction in the duration of mechanical ventilation with early (≤7 days) tracheostomy; however, there was no difference in the rates of ventilator-associated pneumonia (64,66,68). A meta-analysis of 5 retrospective studies that included 1,691 patients with brain injuries demonstrated higher hospital mortality rates in patients who received early tracheostomy (15.6%) compared to late tracheostomy (8.8%) (OR 1.97; P<0.0001) (66).

Obesity

Given the high prevalence of obesity in the USA (34% of adults) (69), a significant number of tracheostomies in the ICU are performed on obese patients. The safety of PDT in this population has been investigated in several retrospective studies. One study of 4 different PT techniques in 73 obese patients (BMI ≥27.5 Kg/m2) found a 4.9-fold increased risk for serious complications in the obese group compared to those with a BMI <27.5 (44% vs. 18%). Seven serious complications were reported, including bleeding, posterior membrane tear, and loss of the airways. Four of the reported complications occurred when using the Griggs method, including a fatal bleeding case (70).

Another study of 500 consecutive patients who underwent PDT included 86 (17%) obese patients (BMI ≥30) and found a significant increase in complication rates in this group compared to those with BMI <30 (15% vs. 8%; P<0.05). Complications included oxygen desaturation, accidental extubation, posterior tracheal wall injury and non-fatal bleeding. Four of the 5 cases of accidental decannulation occurred in the obese group, thus highlighting another post-operative risk in this patient population (39). Similarly, in a comparative study of ST in 89 morbidly obese patients (BMI ≥40), complication rates were higher in the obese group (25% vs. 14%; P=0.03). Morbid obesity was found to be an independent variable associated with increased risk of tracheostomy-related complications (71). However, other studies deemed PDT safe in obese patients (72-74).

A cohort of 143 patients with BMI ≥35 was assessed for procedural and 30-day post-procedural complications. Eighty-nine patients underwent PDT using the Ciaglia Blue Rhino technique, and 53 patients, ST. There was no significant difference in the complication rates between the two groups (6.5% in each group) with no reported deaths (73). PDT in obese patients may carry a higher risk than non-obese patients given the large neck circumference and short suprasternal part of the trachea; however, studies evaluating this are limited to retrospective studies. The adjunct use of bronchoscopy and proper sizing of the tracheostomy tube, such as extra length tubes, when indicated can help minimize complications, especially loss of the airways and accidental decannulation (39,73).

Coagulopathy

Candidates for PDT should be evaluated for risk factors for bleeding, including coagulopathies, uremia, thrombocytopenia, and use of anticoagulation and antiplatelet medications. Coagulation disorders and thrombocytopenia are common findings in critically ill patients and might be associated with an increased risk of periprocedural bleeding. A large study analyzed the risk of bleeding in 1,001 patients undergoing bronchoscopy-guided PDT using the Ciaglia Blue Rhino technique. Four hundred and forty-one patients (44%) had severe coagulopathy (INR >1.5 or PTT >50 seconds) and/or thrombocytopenia (platelet count <50,000/microL). There was no significant difference in the incidence of moderate periprocedural bleeding between the group with severe coagulopathy and the control group (9.7% vs. 7.3%). Severe procedure-related bleeding (requiring blood transfusion and/or surgery) occurred in two patients in each group: one laceration of the brachiocephalic trunk, one venous bleeding, and two hemorrhages from a thyroid vessel injury. There were no deaths associated with PDT (75). This study found that low fibrinogen levels, difficult PDT, less experienced operators, and a Simplified Acute Physiology Score >40 are independent predictors of moderate to major bleeding complications after PDT. The overall incidence of moderate and severe bleeding events in this series was 8.8% (76).

In a study of 415 patients who underwent PDT, intra-procedural bleeding was not significantly higher in patients with underlying coagulopathy; however, the risk of persistent stomal bleeding for ≥24 hours afterwards was five-fold higher in patients with thrombocytopenia (platelet count <50,000/microL) (77). Platelet transfusions with adjunct use of bronchoscopy was found to minimize the risk of bleeding in patients with severe thrombocytopenia (78). Ernst et al. demonstrated a significantly higher risk of bleeding in patients receiving clopidogrel (79). If antiplatelet therapy cannot be discontinued, then precautions should be taken. A study of 20 patients receiving clopidogrel who underwent PDT were compared to a control group of 137 patients. No major bleeding occurred in either group, and there was no significant difference in rates of minor bleeding (5% vs. 3.5%) (80).

The safety of PDT was evaluated in patients with liver disease and refractory coagulopathy (platelet count ≤50,000/microL or INR >1.5) despite blood product transfusion. Twenty-five out of 60 patients undergoing PDT fulfilled the criteria, and there was no significant difference in the rate of adverse events between the two groups. Only one patient in the refractory coagulopathy group experienced severe bleeding that was controlled without surgical intervention. There was no reported death in either group (81).

In patients with thrombocytopenia, platelet transfusion should be provided to achieve a platelet count >50,000/microL. Prophylactic low-dose heparin does not increase the risk of bleeding; however, therapeutic heparin should be held prior to the planned procedure (77,78). Uremia can cause platelet dysfunction, which could increase the risk of perioperative bleeding; thus, patients with end-stage kidney disease should undergo dialysis as close as possible prior to the scheduled procedure time. One dose of desmopressin may be given one hour prior to the procedure to decrease the risk of uremic bleeding (82,83).

Post-tracheostomy management

Obtaining a post-tracheostomy chest radiograph had previously been common practice. A systematic review of 7 studies that included 1,271 cases evaluated the outcomes of post-percutaneous tracheostomy chest X-rays in adults. Forty cases (3.2%) developed complications detected on chest X-ray, which included atelectasis (n=24), pneumothorax (n=6), subcutaneous emphysema (n=6), pneumomediastinum (n=3), and tracheostomy tube malposition (n=1). However, only 22 patients (1.8%) required intervention. A significant number of patients that developed post-procedure complications had signs and symptoms, and a significantly lower complication rate was reported in PDT performed with bronchoscopic guidance (1.6% vs. 9.3%). Thus, obtaining a routine X-ray post-tracheostomy has low impact on clinical management, especially if the procedure was under bronchoscopic guidance. It may be considered for high-risk patients or those who had a difficult or emergent tracheostomy (84).

Post tracheostomy-related acquired pressure ulcers (TRAPUs) are not uncommon and are multifactorial in etiology. Some risk factors are related to impaired mobility and suboptimal nutritional status of these critically ill patients. Other factors are related to the procedure and post-tracheostomy care, such as the proximity of the tracheostomy tube flange to the clavicle, continuous moisture from tracheal secretions, and immobility of the flange when secured by sutures (85,86). Tight sutures can lead to prolonged pressure under the tracheostomy flange after insertion and lead to pressure ulcers. The number of sutures to be placed and the timing of suture removal are not well studied, and surgeons have anecdotally adopted the 4-quadrant technique (2 sutures on each side) to secure the tracheostomy tube and prevent its dislodgment (86).

O’Toole et al. implemented a protocol for ST care wherein they placed a hydrocolloid dressing under the tracheostomy tube flange immediately after insertion, then replaced it with a polyurethane foam dressing after suture removal. They shortened the duration of sutures from 7–10 to 7 days and enforced keeping the neck in a neutral position with frequent skin assessment performed by the nursing staff. Their protocol led to a decrease in the incidence of TRAPUs from 10.9% (20/183) to 1.3% (2/155). Similar results were replicated by Dixon et al. They implemented a protocol for both surgical and percutaneous tracheostomy care and shortened the duration of sutures to 5 days. An 80% decline in TRAPUs was observed. A loose suturing technique by tightening square knots down onto the short dilator or the mosquito clamps has also been used (86).

All supplies to replace a tracheostomy tube should be at bedside, including a replacement tracheostomy tube of the same size and one of a smaller size, flexible suction tubing and suction apparatus, scissors, gloves, replacement ties, water-based lubricant, an oral ETT, and emergency supplies such as a bag valve mask. An experienced physician should ideally be present for the first tube change (51). A bedside tracheostomy sign () that includes important procedural details and operator contact information can be utilized per institutional guidelines.

Figure 9

Example of a bedside tracheostomy sign.

Multidisciplinary team approach

Five factors have been identified to improve the quality of care for tracheostomy patients: multidisciplinary ward rounds, standardization of care protocols, appropriate interdisciplinary education, patient and family involvement, and use of data to drive improvement (87). Quality improvement projects including these components have been shown to reduce adverse events and improve patient safety (88). The use of a post-tracheostomy care bundle in a study of 393 patients significantly improved rates of decannulation and tolerance of an oral diet. The bundle included (I) an electronic postoperative tracheostomy order set (including automatic respiratory therapy and speech consultations; tracheostomy care; team contact information), (II) tracking and following system, (III) decannulation protocol that empowers RT and SLP, and (IV) tracheostomy rounds (89). A meta-analysis of 7 studies evaluating multidisciplinary tracheostomy teams identified a reduction in the total tracheostomy time with a mean difference of 8 days (90). Similarly, the time to decannulation after ICU discharge decreased from an average of 14 to 7 days in a study of an intensivist-led tracheostomy team in a study of 280 patients (91).

Conclusions

PDT is a commonly performed procedure for ICU patients and offers many benefits; however, there is no consensus on its optimal timing. US can be used to assist with accurate placement of the introducer needle while avoiding vascular structures but does not allow for identification of the posterior membrane. Thus, bronchoscopy provides real-time visual guidance from within the tracheal lumen to decrease the risk of posterior membrane injury. The selection of appropriate tracheostomy type and size can minimize complications. Certain additional procedural considerations should be given in circumstances of patient obesity, coagulopathy, or neurologic illness to mitigate risks. A multidisciplinary team-based approach to post-tracheostomy care decreases the time to decannulation.

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