Diametrical differences between blue-rhino kit loading dilators and percutaneous tracheostomy tubes

ABSTRACT

Percutaneous tracheostomy is a common procedure in intensive care unit. The different diameters of loading dilators in the standard Blue Rhino percutaneous tracheostomy kit and available tracheostomy tubes means that difficulties may be encountered during the procedure due to formation of a 'step' between the tube and the loading dilator. This increases the potential for complications and might add to the cost. In order to find out the best combination of tracheostomy tubes and loading dilators, this study compared the various tracheostomy tubes. Size 8 of all tracheostomy tubes had the best fit when used with specific loading dilators in the standard Blue Rhino Kit. It is recommended that a size 8-tracheostomy tube be chosen with the standard Blue Rhino technique for percutaneous tracheostomy. If a smaller tube is deemed necessary, a size 7 will provide a good fit