Table 1 Shared clinical practice for percutaneous tracheostomy from an analysis of seven national surveys in Europe
From: Percutaneous tracheostomy: it’s time for a shared approach!
Findings | Most common practice |
|---|---|
Indications | Long-term mechanical ventilation, weaning failure, and upper airway obstruction |
Techniques | Ciaglia single dilator and guide-wire dilating forceps |
Timing | 7 to 15 days after intensive care unit admission |
Involved physicians in percutaneous tracheostomy | Intensivists; ear, nose, throat specialist; and general surgeon |
Neck ultrasound evaluation | Screening before the procedure to assess at-risk structure |
Ventilation protocol | Largely used with volume-controlled ventilation |
Sedation protocol | Largely used in association with local anesthesia, analgesia, and neuromuscular blocking |
Airway management | Endotracheal tube in place |
Fiberoptic bronchoscopy | Largely used |
Diameter of fiberoptic bronchoscope | 3 to 5 mm |
Intraprocedural complications | Minor bleeding |