Introducing a new instrument “Downpipe endotracheal tube” for improving the safety of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy

Abstract

Background: Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is the most commonly used minimally invasive procedure in patients with prolonged mechanical ventilation. However, during the procedure withdrawal, the endotracheal tube (ET) may cause substantial gas leak and sometimes the airway could be lost, and the patient exposed to severe hypoxemia. In order to prevent hypoxemia during ET withdrawal and needle stuck in ET during PDT and also for performing the procedure more safe and easy. Material and Meyhods: In this study , we introduce a new instrument “downpipe endotracheal tube” that has been registered as a patent and examined it in eight patients to confirm practical advantage of this tube. Results: These patients were five female and three male, with a mean weight of 71.7 kg and the mean age of 65.12 years. The cause of tracheostomy was difficult weaning from mechanical ventilation. Conclusion: The procedure was safe in all cases. We did not find any complications during the procedure.

Keywords

• airway management
• patient safety
• tracheostomy