Fantoni translaryngeal tracheostomy versus ciaglia blue rhino percutaneous tracheostomy: A retrospective comparison

Percutaneous Tracheostomy in COVID-19 Critically Ill Patients: Experience from 30 Consecutive Procedures

Introduction  Percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a well-established practice that shows a reduced risk of wound infection compared with surgical tracheostomy, thus facilitating mechanical ventilation, nursing procedures, reduction in sedation and early mobilization. Objective  This is an observational case-control study that compares the results of PT in ICU patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prospectively enrolled to a similar group of subjects, retrospectively recruited, without COVID-19. Methods  Ninety-eight consecutive COVID-19 patients admitted to the ICU at Pisa Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana between March 11th and May 20 ^th , 2020 were prospectively studied. Thirty of them underwent PT using different techniques. Another 30 non-COVID-19 ICU patients were used as a control-group. The main outcome was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of PT in COVID-19 patients. We measured the rate of complications. Results  Percutaneous tracheostomy was performed with different techniques in 30 of the 98 COVID-19 ICU patients admitted to the ICU. Tracheostomy was performed on day 10 (mean 10 ± 3.3) from the time of intubation. Major tracheal complications occurred in 5 patients during the procedure. In the control group of 30 ICU patients, no differences were found with regards to the timing of the tracheostomy, whereas a statistically significant difference was observed regarding complications with only one tracheal ring rupture reported. Conclusion  Percutaneous tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients showed a higher rate of complications compared with controls even though the same precautions and the same expertise were applied. Larger studies are needed to understand whether the coronavirus disease itself carries an increased risk of tracheal damage.

A Modified Translaryngeal Tracheostomy Technique in the Neurointensive Care Unit. Rationale and Single-center Experience on 199 Acute Brain-damaged Patients

BACKGROUND

Brain-injured patients frequently require tracheostomy, but no technique has been shown to be the gold standard for these patients. We developed and introduced into standard clinical practice an innovative bedside translaryngeal tracheostomy (TLT) technique aided by suspension laryngoscopy (modified TLT). During this procedure, the endotracheal tube is left in place until the airway is secured with the new tracheostomy. This study assessed the clinical impact of this technique in brain-injured patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data from adult brain-injured patients who had undergone modified TLT during the period spanning from January 2010 to December 2016 at the Neurointensive care unit, San Gerardo Hospital (Monza, Italy). The incidence of intraprocedural complications, including episodes of intracranial hypertension (intracranial pressure [ICP] >20 mm Hg), was documented. Neurological, ventilatory, and hemodynamic parameters were retrieved before, during, and after the procedure. Risk factors for complications and intracranial hypertension were assessed by univariate logistic analysis. Data are presented as n (%) and median (interquartile range) for categorical and continuous variables, respectively.

RESULTS

A total of 199 consecutive brain-injured patients receiving modified TLT were included. An overall 52% male individuals who were 66 (54 to 74) years old and who had an admission Glasgow Coma Scale of 7 (6 to 10) were included in the cohort. Intracerebral hemorrhage (30%) was the most frequent diagnosis. Neurointensivists performed 130 (65%) of the procedures. Patients underwent tracheostomy 10 (7 to 13) days after intensive care unit admission. Short (ie, <2 min) and clinically uneventful increases in ICP>20 mm Hg were observed in 11 cases. Overall, the procedure was associated with an increase in ICP from 7 (4 to 10) to 12 (7 to 18) mm Hg (P<0.001). Compared with baseline, cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP), respiratory variables, and hemodynamics were unchanged during the procedure (P-value, not significant). Higher baseline ICP and core temperature were associated with an increased risk of complications and intracranial hypertension. Complication rates were low: 1 procedure had to be converted to a surgical tracheostomy, and 1 (0.5%) episode of minor bleeding and 5 (2.5%) of minor non-neurological complications were recorded. Procedures performed by intensivists did not have a higher risk of complications compared with those performed by ear, nose, and throat specialists.

CONCLUSIONS

A modified TLT (by means of suspension laryngoscopy) performed by neurointensivists is feasible in brain-injured patients and does not adversely impact ICP and CPP.

Impact of bedside percutaneous dilational and open surgical tracheostomy on intracranial pressure, pulmonary gas exchange, and hemodynamics in neurocritical care patients

Aim was to compare the impact of bedside percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) and open surgical technique (ST) on intracranial pressure (ICP), pulmonary gas exchange and hemodynamics.We retrospectively analyzed data of 92 neurocritical care patients with invasive ICP monitoring during either PDT (43 patients) or ST (49 patients).Peak ICP levels were higher during PDT (22 [17-38] mm Hg vs 19 [13-27] mm Hg, P = .029). Mean oxygen saturation (SpO2) and end-tidal carbon dioxide partial pressure (etCO2) did not differ. Episodes with relevant desaturation (SpO2 < 90%) or hypercapnia (etCO2 > 50 mm Hg) occurred rarely (5/49 during ST vs 3/43 during PDT for SpO2 < 90%; 2/49 during ST vs 5/43 during PDT for hypercapnia). Drops in mean arterial pressure (MAP) below 60 mm Hg were seen more often during PDT (8/43 vs 2/49, P = .026). Mean infusion rate of norepinephrine did not differ (0.52 mg/h during ST vs 0.45 mg/h during PDT). No fatal complications were observed.Tracheostomy can be performed as ST and PDT safely in neurocritical care patients. The impact on ICP, pulmonary gas exchange and hemodynamics remains within an unproblematic range.

Modified translaryngeal tracheostomy for ventilator-dependent cardiac patients: A pilot of nonrandomized study

INTRODUCTION

A significant proportion of ventilator-dependent cardiac patients need tracheostomy during intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Three different methods including traditional (surgical), percutaneous dilatation tracheostomy, translaryngeal tracheostomy (TLT), and classical Fantoni method have been developed. In this study, modified translaryngeal tracheostomy (MTLT) has been introduced to reduce and correct the technical difficulty of classical TLT through the larynx.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The patients hospitalized because of cardiac diseases whose stay in ICU and coronary care unit lasted longer than 3 weeks, and were consulted and advised for elective tracheostomy. Afterwards, MTLT was performed for all patients (the new method).

RESULTS

From the 159 patients, 64.2% were women. The mean age was 65.25 ± 14.35 years. There was no considerable hemorrhage (bleeding >5-10 mL). The mean values of arterial oxygen pressure, oxygen saturation, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, and a peak airway pressure before and after MTLT had a significant improvement (P < .05), which reflects a better hemodynamic state after tracheostomy. All of the tracheostomies (MTLT) were successful and without any complications. There was no considerable bleeding despite the high international normalized ratio levels.

CONCLUSIONS

Unlike the classical Fantoni method, this study indicates that using a new improved method of tracheostomy through larynx did not impose any difficulty on retrograde passage of guide wire and this procedure could be safely conducted on patients with coagulation disorders.

Experimental measurement of forces during percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy

The measurement of mechanical effects associated with the dilatation phase of a percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy is of primary importance to identify the causes of major complications associated with this procedure, such as tracheal cartilage subluxation or fracture and bleeding. Such information can be very useful also for the design of better instruments and procedures. The aim of this study was to present a methodology to evaluate mechanical effects of the dilatation phase of a percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy on the tracheal rings and adjacent anatomical structures. Forces and moments were measured through a dilator instrumented with strain gauges. Two surgeons, with different levels of expertise, performed the percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy on a lifelike reproduction of an adult head, specifically designed for training professionals. The modified dilator was effective in measuring forces involved in the percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy without affecting the ability of the operator to perform the procedure. The main contribution to the insertion of the dilator was given by the axial force, defined as the force acting on the handle, compressing it (mean and peak force: 48.8 and 88.2 N for Surgeon 1, 31.3 and 82.8 N for Surgeon 2, respectively). The proposed method was effective in measuring differences between procedures performed by surgeons with different amounts of experience in terms of duration, forces applied and repeatability. In addition, it may have applications for use as a feedback for incorrect positioning or excessively variable pressure during the training of surgeons for the execution of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy.

Is percutaneous tracheostomy the best method in the management of patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation?

Although percutaneous tracheostomy is a standardized procedure, rare major complications are still being evaluated and discussed. We describe a case of patient, with hemodynamic and respiratory stability, who displayed massive hemorrhage after 16 days of “Ciaglia Blue Rhino” tracheostomy. Unfortunately, neither prompt resuscitation maneuvers nor the surgical approach saved the life of patient.

Evolution of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy--a review of current techniques and their pitfalls

Tracheostomy is the most commonly performed surgical procedure in critically ill patients with acute respiratory failure. While few absolute indications exist, this procedure is widely used in patients with upper respiratory obstruction and those requiring long-term mechanical ventilation. The traditional approach to tracheostomy has been an open procedure performed in the operating room. This method is associated with an increased rate of complications and costs. Accordingly, percutaneous bedside tracheostomy procedures have largely replaced the traditional operative approach at many institutions. Numerous methods for percutaneous tracheostomy have thus emerged. However, the benefits of one technique versus another have not been well demonstrated. In this article, we review the evidence supporting the use of percutaneous tracheostomy procedures over the traditional operative approach. Furthermore, we review the currently available and emerging methods by which percutaneous tracheostomy can be performed. In addition, we highlight the available evidence concerning the safety and complication rates of each technique.

Percutaneous tracheostomy, a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is a common procedure in intensive care units and the identification of the best technique is very important. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized studies comparing different PDT techniques in critically ill adult patients to investigate if one technique is superior to the others with regard to major and minor intraprocedural complications.

METHODS

BioMedCentral and other database of clinical trials were searched for pertinent studies. Inclusion criterion was random allocation to at least two PDT techniques. Exclusion criteria were duplicate publications, nonadult studies, and absence of outcome data.

STUDY DESIGN

Population, clinical setting, and complications were extracted.

RESULTS

Data from 1130 patients in 13 randomized trials were analyzed. Multiple dilators, single-step dilatation, guide wire dilating forceps, rotational dilation, retrograde tracheostomy, and balloon dilation techniques were always performed in the intensive care unit. The different techniques and devices appeared largely equivalent, with the exception of retrograde tracheostomy, which was associated with more severe complications and more frequent need of conversion to other techniques when compared with guide wire dilating forceps and single-step dilatation techniques. Single-step dilatation technique was associated with fewer failures than rotational dilation, and fewer mild complications in comparison with balloon dilation and guide wire dilating forceps (all P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Among the six analyzed techniques, single-step dilatation technique appeared the most reliable in terms of safety and success rate. However, the number of available randomized trials was insufficient to confidently assess the best PDT technique.

Percutaneous tracheostomy: a 6 yr prospective evaluation of the single tapered dilator technique

BACKGROUND

The single tapered dilator (STD) percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) technique now appears to be the single most common method of performing a tracheostomy in the critical care unit (CCU).

METHODS

A single-centre, prospective evaluation of all PDTs performed in an adult mixed surgical and medical CCU between November 2003 and October 2009 was done. All procedures were undertaken by critical care physicians. A proforma recorded intraoperative complications and technical difficulties encountered during the procedure; all patients were followed up for a minimum of 3 months for delayed complications.

RESULTS

A tracheostomy was performed on 589 patients during the study period. PDT was attempted in 576 patients and successfully completed in 572. PDT was abandoned in four patients due to bleeding, with three of these subsequently undergoing surgical tracheostomy (ST). ST was performed in 17 patients. Intraoperative technical difficulties were encountered in 149 (26%) cases. Sixteen (3%) procedures were deemed as having early complications. A further four (0.7%) cases had significant late complications including two tracheo-innominate fistulae (TIF). Both TIF patients died as a result of their complications giving a mortality directly attributable to PDT of 0.35%. There were no differences with respect to the occurrence of complications according to grade of operator.

CONCLUSIONS

PDT performed by the STD technique is a relatively safe procedure with more than 96% of procedures performed without any early or late complications. Using this technique, more than 97% of tracheostomies undertaken during the study period were performed percutaneously. Further audit at a national level is warranted to fully evaluate long-term complications after PDT.