ABSTRACT
Ninety-four cases of percutaneous tracheostomy and six cases of percutaneous cricothyroidotomy are reported in this study. There was one death attributable to the use of the device. A complication rate of 14% is reported. Clinical use for the adult and pediatric patient is reported. The procedure is compared to the standard dissection tracheostomy method of Chevalier Jackson. This procedure has several advantages over the standard dissection method, the most significant of which appears to be the speed with which it can be performed. It can be done in 30 seconds, as opposed to the dissection procedure which requires 3 minutes or more for a surgeon to complete it. Autopsies on 14 of these patients are discussed. Long-term followup, that is for 1 year and more, is reported in 19 cases. Advantages of the percutaneous technique over the standard dissection technique are detailed.
