Use of ultrasound guidance to improve the safety of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy: a literature review

Effectiveness of ultrasound-guided versus anatomical landmark-guided percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is increasingly used in intensive care units owing to its advantages of reduced surgical trauma and fewer complications. Recently, ultrasonography has become a potentially useful tool for assisting PDT.

OBJECTIVE

To compare ultrasound- and landmark-guided PDT for major bleeding, first-puncture success rates, periprocedural complications, and tracheotomy procedure times.

METHODS

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or non-RCTs comparing ultrasound- and landmark-guided PDT were searched for in PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) and the Chinese Biomedical Literature Service System (SinoMed). The primary outcomes were major bleeding and first puncture success rate. Secondary outcomes were periprocedural complications and the tracheotomy procedure time. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.3 software.

RESULTS

This meta-analysis included five RCTs and one non-RCT, with a total of 609 patients. Compared with landmark-guided PDT, ultrasound-guided PDT can reduce the incidence of major bleeding (odds ratio [OR] = 0.35, 95% confidence interval [CI; 0.14, 0.90], P = 0.03) and improved the success rate of first puncture (OR = 4.41, 95% CI [2.54, 7.65], P < 0.000001). Additionally, ultrasound-guided PDT is associated with a lower incidence of periprocedural complications (OR = 0.35, 95% CI [0.22, 0.54], P < 0.00001). However, there was no advantage in reducing the tracheotomy procedure time between the two methods (mean difference = - 0.64, 95% CI [-4.14, 2.85], P = 0.72).

CONCLUSION

Compared to landmark-guided PDT, ultrasound-guided PDT can reduce the incidence of major bleeding and periprocedural complications and increase the success rate of the first puncture. However, the advantage of ultrasound-guided PDT in reducing the tracheotomy procedure time is unclear.

Real-time ultrasound-guided laryngeal mask assisted percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy versus bronchoscopy-guided percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy in critically ill patients: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is a common procedure for mechanically ventilated patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). This study compared the real-time ultrasound-guided PDT using a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) with the standard bronchoscopy-guided PDT technique in ICU patients requiring elective tracheostomy.

METHODS

This randomized controlled study was conducted at Ain Shams University Hospital's Critical Care Department from December 4th, 2021, to December 3rd, 2022. The study population included 60 critically ill patients admitted to the ICU. Thirty patients were randomly assigned to the real-time ultrasound-guided LMA-assisted group, and 30 patients were randomly assigned to the bronchoscopy-guided technique. The primary study outcome was the procedure time, and the secondary outcomes included procedure-related complications rate and cost-effectiveness.

RESULTS

The real-time ultrasound-guided LMA-assisted group had significantly shorter procedure time (median 17 [IQR: 15-20] min vs. 35 [IQR: 28-39] min, p < 0.001) and lower equipment damage (0% vs. 20%, p = 0.024) during the procedure compared to the bronchoscopy-guided group. Additionally, the cost of tracheostomy was significantly lower in the real-time ultrasound-guided LMA-assisted group (median: 300 vs. 800 USD, p < 0.001). The real-time ultrasound-guided LMA group had a lower major complications rate than the bronchoscopy-guided group (36.7%) vs. 3.3%, p = 0.002).

CONCLUSIONS

The study demonstrated that real-time ultrasound-guided LMA-assisted PDT had shorter procedure time, reduced equipment damage, lower costs, and was associated with lower complications when compared to the bronchoscopy-guided technique. These findings suggest that ultrasound guidance can enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of PDT procedures.

Airway management in patients undergoing maxillofacial surgery: State of art review

Airway management in maxillofacial surgery is a critical aspect of anesthesia and perioperative care, demanding a broad array of techniques to ensure effective ventilation and oxygenation. The anatomical and physiological complexities of maxillofacial procedures necessitate a deep understanding of airway management strategies. Patients undergoing maxillofacial surgery often face heightened risks of airway compromise due to trauma, congenital abnormalities, or the surgical interventions themselves, requiring clinicians to be proficient in both routine and advanced techniques. This narrative review synthesizes current evidence and clinical practices in airway management for maxillofacial surgery. It examines the anatomical and physiological considerations, preoperative assessment protocols, intraoperative management, and postoperative care strategies. Preoperative assessments are crucial for identifying potential airway management difficulties, utilizing risk assessments, physical examinations, and imaging. Intraoperative strategies include endotracheal intubation while surgical techniques such as tracheostomy, cricothyroidotomy, submental, and retromolar intubation offer alternatives for securing the airway. Postoperative care focuses on meticulous planning and coordination to prevent complications such as airway obstruction and hypoxemia. Extubation is identified as a particularly high-risk phase, necessitating advanced techniques and multidisciplinary collaboration to ensure patient safety. The review underscores the importance of a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to airway management in maxillofacial surgery, highlighting the need for ongoing advancements in techniques and technologies to enhance patient outcomes.

Ultrasound mapping of soft tissue vascular anatomy proximal to the larynx: a prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Bleeding incidents during percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy are concerning, and most cases occur in patients with unrecognized and unanticipated anatomical variations in the vascular anatomy. However, the extent of this variation remains unclear. To address this knowledge gap, our study aimed to comprehensively map laryngeal vascular anatomy in a cohort of adult patients.

METHODS

Ultrasound assessments of the soft tissue in the neck were performed, spanning from the thyroid cartilage to the third tracheal ring and extending 2 cm laterally on both sidesperformed. We subdivided this area into 12 zones comprising four medial and eight lateral sections. A pre-planned form was used to document the presence of arteries or veins in each zone. The results are reported as odds ratios, 95% CIs, and corresponding P values.

RESULTS

Five-hundred patients were enrolled from August 14, 2023, to November 13, 2023, at the University Hospital of Padua. Arteries and veins were identified in all investigated zones (varying from a minimum of 1.0%-46.4%). The presence of invessels progressively increased from the cricothyroid membrane to the third tracheal ring and from the midline to the paramedian laryngeal area.

CONCLUSIONS

Given the prevalence of arteries and veins, particularly in areas where tracheostomies are commonly performed, we strongly advocate for routine ultrasound assessments before such procedures are performed.

Evaluation of the Effect of Morphological Structure on Dilatational Tracheostomy Interference Location and Complications with Ultrasonography and Fiberoptic Bronchoscopy

Background: Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is the most commonly performed minimally invasive intensive care unit procedure worldwide. Methods: This study evaluated the percentage of consistency between the entry site observed with fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FOB) and the prediction for the PDT level based on pre-procedural ultrasonography (USG) in PDT procedures performed using the forceps dilatation method. The effect of morphological features on intervention sites was also investigated. Complications that occurred during and after the procedure, as well as the duration, site, and quantity of the procedures, were recorded. Results: Data obtained from a total of 91 patients were analyzed. In 57 patients (62.6%), the USG-estimated tracheal puncture level was consistent with the intercartilaginous space observed by FOB, while in 34 patients (37.4%), there was a discrepancy between these two methods. According to Bland Altman, the agreement between the tracheal spaces determined by USG and FOB was close. Regression formulas for PDT procedures defining the intercartilaginous puncture level based on morphologic measurements of the patients were created. The most common complication related to PDT was cartilage fracture (17.6%), which was proven to be predicted with maximum relevance by punctured tracheal level, neck extension limitation, and procedure duration. Conclusions: In PDT procedures using the forceps dilatation method, the prediction of the PDT intervention level based on pre-procedural USG was considerably in accordance with the entry site observed by FOB. The intercartilaginous puncture level could be estimated based on morphological measurements.

Utility of Bedside Ultrasound in Percutaneous Tracheostomy

Background: Percutaneous tracheostomy placement is a common procedure performed in the intensive care unit. The use of an anterior neck ultrasound exam is routinely performed preprocedure, allowing for vessel visualization in determining the safety and feasibility of performing the procedure bedside. This prospective observational cohort study was conducted to determine whether vasculature in the anterior neck, seen on bedside ultrasound exam, contributes to bleeding complications during or after percutaneous tracheostomy (PCT) placement. Research Question: Do the vessels identified on preprocedure neck ultrasound affect the risk of bleeding during and after bedside PCT placement? Study Design and Methods: Preprocedural ultrasound was used to identify standard anatomical landmarks and vascular structures in the anterior neck in all patients undergoing bedside PCT placement under bronchoscopic guidance. A blinded survey of our recorded preprocedural images was provided to an expert panel who regularly perform bedside PCTs to determine the influence the images have on their decision to perform the procedure at the bedside. Results: One out of 15 patients (7%) had intra-operative minimal bleeding which was not clinically significant and resolved by gauze compression for 30 s. None of the patients had post-procedural bleeding after tracheostomy placement. Based on the blinded interpretation of neck ultrasound, there was 0.214 inter-operator variability among the expert panelists for decision-making regarding performing bedside PCT. Interpretation: Vessels visualized with anterior neck ultrasound were found to be small venous structures and did not significantly contribute to bleeding risk in patients who underwent PCT placement. The size and location of veins on neck ultrasound may commonly contribute to abandoning bedside PCT. This study suggests that veins measuring 3.9 mm or smaller identified at the site of access do not increase the risk of bleeding in PCT placement.

Impact of radiological surveillance for major blood vessels on complications of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy: A retrospective cohort study

PURPOSE

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is the preferred method for managing long-term ventilator-dependent patients in ICUs. This study aimed to evaluate the association between preprocedural screening (ultrasound Doppler [USD] or computed tomography [CT]) for major neck blood vessels and complications in ICU patients undergoing PDT.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent PDT between 2012 and 2023 at a tertiary referral center. We performed a multivariable analysis and created a propensity-matched cohort. The primary outcome was bleeding within the first seven days after PDT. Secondary outcomes included early and late PDT complications and PTD-related mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 1766 consecutive critically ill patients hospitalized at a tertiary academic hospital were evaluated for PDT. Of these, 881 (49.9 %) underwent only physical examination before PDT, while 885 (50.1 %) underwent additional imaging (CT/USD). A higher proportion of patients in the imaging group were referred to open surgery due to suspected major blood vessels interfering with the procedure (6.2 % vs. 3.0 %, p = 0.001). Among the 1685 patients who underwent PDT, there was no significant difference in the rate of early bleeding between the physical examination group and the imaging group (4.6 % vs. 6.3 %, p = 0.12). Similarly, the overall early complication rates (5.5 % vs. 7.6 %, p = 0.08), late complication rates (1.6 % vs. 2.2 %, p = 0.42), and PDT-related mortality rates (0.7 % vs. 0.6 %, p = 0.73) did not exhibit significant differences between the two groups. In a propensity score-matched cohort, results remained consistent.

CONCLUSIONS

Physical examination can effectively identify major neck blood vessels without increasing the risk of bleeding during and after PDT.

The Year in Perioperative Echocardiography: Selected Highlights From 2022

THIS SPECIAL article is part of an annual series for the Journal of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Anesthesia. The authors thank the editor-in-chief, Dr. Kaplan, and the Editorial Board for the opportunity to continue this series, which focuses on the past year's research highlights that pertain to perioperative echocardiography in relation to cardiothoracic and vascular anesthesia. The major selected themes for 2022 include (1) updates on mitral valve assessments and interventions, (2) training and simulation updates, (3) outcomes and complications of transesophageal echocardiography, and (4) point-of-care cardiac ultrasound. The themes selected for this special article are just a sample of the advances in perioperative echocardiography during 2022. An appreciation and understanding of these highlights will help to ensure and improve the perioperative outcomes for patients with cardiovascular disease undergoing cardiac surgery.

Percutaneous tracheostomy in the ICU: a review of the literature and recent updates

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The following article summarizes the current available knowledge regarding tracheostomy techniques, indications, contraindications, procedure timing, use of assisted technologies and tracheostomy feasibility and safety in high-risk populations. In light of the ongoing corona virus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, a focus was placed on tracheostomy in this unique patient group.

RECENT FINDINGS

Percutaneous dilatation tracheostomy (PDT) is commonly used in the ICU setting. It has been shown to be well tolerated and feasible in a diverse patient population including those regarded to be at high risk such as the obese, coagulopathic and acute respiratory failure patient. This patient profile presented itself frequently in the recent COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed studies showed that PDT is well tolerated in COVID-19 ICU patients leading to reduced ICU length of stay (LOS), decrease in ventilator-associated pneumonia rate (VAP) and reduced duration on invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). Despite initial concerns, virus transmission from patient to healthcare provider (HCP) was shown to be negligible when proper precautions are taken.

SUMMARY

Bedside PDT in the ICU is a well tolerated procedure having the potential to benefit both the individual patient as well as to improve resource utilization of the healthcare system.

The Importance of Early Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy in Inhalation Injury: A Case Report

Maintaining a patent airway is critical for treating patients with severe inhalation injuries. Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy (PDT) has been used effectively for many patients treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). In addition to its safety for use at the bedside, according to Friedman et al. PDT has the same or even lower complication rate than surgical tracheostomy. PDT can be performed in a shorter time and is more cost-effective. Herein, we report a 44 year old obese woman who sustained an inhalation injury related to a burn. The patient fell headfirst into a pot of boiling water at the time of the burn. The patient showed signs of inhalation injury and suffered a second-to-third degree burn injury. She was treated in the ICU, and early PDT was performed. The procedure was performed by first locating the trachea, followed by a 1-cm incision made between the second and third tracheal ring. She was intubated successfully and treated in the ICU for 7 days. The anesthesiologist chose to perform an early PDT to prevent further complications. This procedure was done successfully despite many comorbidities from the patient, such as being an obese female and having a short neck, which makes finding the exact location for the incision challenging. In this case, the early decision to proceed with PDT showed promising results in decreasing the patient's mortality risk.

Advanced diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for anaesthetists in thoracic trauma: an evidence-based review

Anaesthetists play an important role in the evaluation and treatment of patients with signs of thoracic trauma. Anaesthesia involvement can provide valuable input using both advanced diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Commonly performed interventions may be complicated in this setting including airway management, damage control resuscitation, and acute pain management. Anaesthetists must consider additional factors including airway injuries, vascular injuries, and coagulopathy when treating this population. This evidence-based review discusses traumatic thoracic injuries with a focus on new interventions and modern anaesthesia techniques. This review further serves to support the early involvement of anaesthetists in the emergency department and other areas where they can provide value to the trauma care pathway.

Comparison of percutaneous tracheostomy methods in ICU patients: Conventional anatomical landmark method versus ultrasonography method - A randomised controlled trial

Background and Aims

Percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) is a common procedure in intensive care unit (ICU) patients requiring long-term mechanical ventilation. PDT has gradually replaced surgical tracheostomy because it is associated with minimal invasiveness, reduced bleeding and simplicity in technique.This study was conducted to compare ultrasound-guided PDT versus conventional tracheostomy in terms of duration of the procedure, number of passes and immediate peri-procedural complications.

Methods

A total of 72 patients with clinical indications of tracheostomy were recruited. A total of 12 patients met the exclusion criteria. The remaining were randomly assigned into two groups of 30 each: Group A (Landmark) with traditional anatomical landmark and Group B (USG) with real-time ultrasound guidance. Puncture positions were recorded with bronchoscopy. Midline deviation was captured on a bronchoscopy image using a protractor. Data on procedural safety and efficacy were also collected.

Results

Group B had significantly fewer cases of midline deviation (11.33 ± 9.51) in comparison to Group A (16.60 ± 12.31). Trials > 2 were equal to 11 in Group A and 2 in Group B. However, the duration of the procedure was higher in Group B (20.07 ± 3.25 min) as compared to Group A (15.20 ± 3.71 min). Peri-procedural and post-procedural complications were also higher in the Landmark group.

Conclusion

Ultrasound-guided PDT showed superiority over landmark PDT in terms of less number of trials, midline puncture and fewer complications. However, it took a little longer to perform USG-guided PDT.

Airway Ultrasound in Critically Ill Patients: A Narrative Review

Airway assessment and management have a central role in critical care medicine. Airway ultrasound can help us evaluate the anatomy, facilitate interventions such as intubation in difficult airways and tracheostomy, prevent post-extubation complications, and diagnose dysphagia. In this review, we will summarize the current use of ultrasound in airway assessment and management in critically ill patients.

Safe ultrasound-guided percutaneous tracheostomy in eight steps and necessary precautions in COVID-19 patients

Percutaneous tracheostomy has been considered the standard method today, the bronchoscopy-guided technique being the most frequently performed. A safe alternative is ultrasound-guided percutaneous tracheostomy, which can be carried out by the surgeon, avoiding the logistical difficulties of having a specialist in bronchoscopy. Studies prove that the efficacy and safety of the ultrasound-guided technique are similar when compared to the bronchoscopy-guided one. Thus, it is of paramount importance that surgeons have ultrasound-guided percutaneous tracheostomy as a viable and beneficial alternative to the open procedure. In this article, we describe eight main steps in performing ultrasound-guided percutaneous tracheostomy, highlighting essential technical points that can reduce the risk of complications from the procedure. Furthermore, we detail some precautions that one must observe to reduce the risk of aerosolization and contamination of the team when percutaneous tracheostomy is indicated in patients with COVID-19.

Application of POCUS in patients with COVID-19 for acute respiratory distress syndrome management: a narrative review

COVID-19 has inflicted the world for over two years. The recent mutant virus strains pose greater challenges to disease prevention and treatment. COVID-19 can cause acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and extrapulmonary injury. Dynamic monitoring of each patient's condition is necessary to timely tailor treatments, improve prognosis and reduce mortality. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is broadly used in patients with ARDS. POCUS is recommended to be performed regularly in COVID-19 patients for respiratory failure management. In this review, we summarized the ultrasound characteristics of COVID-19 patients, mainly focusing on lung ultrasound and echocardiography. Furthermore, we also provided the experience of using POCUS to manage COVID-19-related ARDS.

Measurement of airborne particle emission during surgical and percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy COVID-19 adapted procedures in a swine model: Experimental report and review of literature

INTRODUCTION

Surgical tracheostomy (ST) and Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) are classified as high-risk aerosol-generating procedures and might lead to healthcare workers (HCW) infection. Albeit the COVID-19 strain slightly released since the vaccination era, preventing HCW from infection remains a major economical and medical concern. To date, there is no study monitoring particle emissions during ST and PDT in a clinical setting. The aim of this study was to monitor particle emissions during ST and PDT in a swine model.

METHODS

A randomized animal study on swine model with induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) was conducted. A dedicated room with controlled airflow was used to standardize the measurements obtained using an airborne optical particle counter. 6 ST and 6 PDT were performed in 12 pigs. Airborne particles (diameter of 0.5 to 3 μm) were continuously measured; video and audio data were recorded. The emission of particles was considered as significant if the number of particles increased beyond the normal variations of baseline particle contamination determinations in the room. These significant emissions were interpreted in the light of video and audio recordings. Duration of procedures, number of expiratory pauses, technical errors and adverse events were also analyzed.

RESULTS

10 procedures (5 ST and 5 PDT) were fully analyzable. There was no systematic aerosolization during procedures. However, in 1/5 ST and 4/5 PDT, minor leaks and some adverse events (cuff perforation in 1 ST and 1 PDT) occurred. Human factors were responsible for 1 aerosolization during 1 PDT procedure. ST duration was significantly shorter than PDT (8.6 ± 1.3 vs 15.6 ± 1.9 minutes) and required less expiratory pauses (1 vs 6.8 ± 1.2).

CONCLUSIONS

COVID-19 adaptations allow preventing for major aerosol leaks for both ST and PDT, contributing to preserving healthcare workers during COVID-19 outbreak, but failed to achieve a perfectly airtight procedure. However, with COVID-19 adaptations, PDT required more expiratory pauses and more time than ST. Human factors and adverse events may lead to aerosolization and might be more frequent in PDT.

Comparative effectiveness of ultrasound-guided and anatomic landmark percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Introduction

Ultrasound-guided tracheostomy (UGT) and bronchoscope-guided tracheostomy (BGT) have been well compared. However, the differences in benefits between UGT and landmark tracheostomy (LT) have not been addressed and, in particular, lack a detailed meta-analysis. We aimed to compare the first-pass success, complication rate, major bleeding rate, and tracheostomy procedure time between UGT and LT.

Methods

In a systematic review, relevant databases were searched for studies comparing UGT with LT in intubated patients. The primary outcome was the odds ratio (OR) of first-pass success. The secondary outcomes were the OR of complications, OR of major bleeding, and standardized mean difference (SMD) of the total tracheostomy procedure time.

Results

The meta-analysis included three randomized controlled studies (RCTs) and one nonrandomized controlled study (NRS), comprising 474 patients in total. Compared with LT, UGT increased first-pass success (OR: 4.287; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.308 to 7.964) and decreased complications (OR: 0.422; 95% CI: 0.249 to 0.718). However, compared with LT, UGT did not significantly reduce major bleeding (OR: 0.374; 95% CI: 0.112 to 1.251) or the total tracheostomy placement time (SMD: -0.335; 95% CI: -0.842 to 0.172).

Conclusions

Compared with LT, real-time UGT increases first-pass success and decreases complications. However, UGT was not associated with a significant reduction in the major bleeding rate. The total tracheostomy placement time comparison between UGI and LT was inconclusive.

State of the art: percutaneous tracheostomy in the intensive care unit

Percutaneous tracheostomy is a commonly performed procedure for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) and offers many benefits, including decreasing ICU length of stay and need for sedation while improving patient comfort, effective communication, and airway clearance. However, there is no consensus on the optimal timing of tracheostomy in ICU patients. Ultrasound (US) and bronchoscopy are useful adjunct tools to optimize procedural performance. US can be used pre-procedurally to identify vascular structures and to select the optimal puncture site, intra-procedurally to assist with accurate placement of the introducer needle, and post-procedurally to evaluate for a pneumothorax. Bronchoscopy provides real-time visual guidance from within the tracheal lumen and can reduce complications, such as paratracheal puncture and injury to the posterior tracheal wall. A step-by-step detailed procedural guide, including preparation and procedural technique, is provided with a team-based approach. Technical aspects, such as recommended equipment and selection of appropriate tracheostomy tube type and size, are discussed. Certain procedural considerations to minimize the risk of complications should be given in circumstances of patient obesity, coagulopathy, or neurologic illness. Herein, we provide a practical state of the art review of percutaneous tracheostomy in ICU patients. Specifically, we will address pre-procedural preparation, procedural technique, and post-tracheostomy management.

Patient selection and preoperative evaluation of percutaneous dilation tracheostomy in the intensive care unit

Percutaneous dilation tracheostomy (PDT) is increasingly performed at the bedside of critically ill patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). PDT is safe overall and has a number of benefits compared to surgical tracheostomy. A tracheostomy tube has numerous advantages compared to an endotracheal tube, including decreased work of breathing, ease of connecting to a mechanical ventilator, improved patient comfort and pulmonary hygiene. Common patient populations include those unable to wean from mechanical ventilation, those requiring enhanced pulmonary hygiene, and those with progressive neuromuscular weakness. Clinicians performing this procedure should be familiar with common indications for performing tracheostomy as well as absolute and relative contraindications. Special patient populations, including those with morbid obesity, aberrant anatomic and vascular anatomy, cervical spine injury, and high ventilatory requirements, should be approached with careful planning. Pre-procedure evaluation for coagulopathy, including basic laboratory analysis and medication review, should be undertaken. Pre-procedure ultrasound may be used to more accurately identify landmarks and vascular structures. The optimal timing for performing PDT is unknown and depends on the unique characteristics of each patient, perceived natural history of the disease process being addressed and open conversations with the patient or surrogate decision maker. In this review, we identify patient populations most likely to benefit from PDT and outline data behind optimal timing, pre-procedural laboratory evaluation and patient specific factors that may influence procedural success.

Ultrasonography for airway management

Ultrasonography (USG) allows a new approach to the airway in anaesthesia and intensive care. USG visualises the airway from the mouth to the lungs. By exploring the entire airway, USG proposes new criteria (1) to assess the risk of difficult laryngoscopy, (2) to anticipate the management of a difficult airway, (3) to confirm the position of the endotracheal tube (ETT), and (4) to confirm that the lungs are effectively ventilated. Intraoperatively, USG may also help to resolve acute ventilatory problems such as pneumothorax, delayed selective bronchial intubation after patient positioning (Trendelenburg, prone or lateral position) or acute pulmonary oedema.

Development of a comprehensive Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy process model for procedural training: A Delphi-based experts consensus

BACKGROUND

Deconstructing a complex procedure improves skills learning, but no model has covered all relevant Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy (PDT) procedural aspects. Moreover, the heterogeneity of techniques described may hinder trainees' competency acquisition. Our objective was to develop a PDT model for procedural training that includes a comprehensive step-by-step design.

METHODS

Procedural descriptions were retrieved after a structured search in medical databases. Activities were extracted and the adherence to McKinley's dimensions of procedural competence was analyzed. We developed a comprehensive PDT model, which was further validated through a Delphi-based consensus of Spanish-speaking international experts.

RESULTS

The 14 descriptions retrieved for analysis presented a median [interquartile range] of 18 [11-22] steps, covering 3 [2-4] of McKinley's dimensions. The Delphi panel's first model included all McKinley's dimensions, and was answered by 25 experts from nine countries, ending in the second round. The final model included 59 activities divided into six stages (51 from the initial model and eight proposed by experts) and performed by two operators (bronchoscopy and tracheostomy).

CONCLUSIONS

We have presented a PDT model that includes necessary competence dimensions to be considered complete. The model was validated by an experts' consensus, allowing to improve procedural training to promote safer patient care.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) for the Cardiothoracic Anesthesiologist

Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) is a valuable bedside diagnostic tool for a variety of expeditious clinical assessments or as guidance for a multitude of acute care procedures. Varying aspects of nearly all organ systems can be evaluated using POCUS and, with the increasing availability of affordable ultrasound systems over the past decade, many now refer to POCUS as the 21^st-century stethoscope. With the current available and growing evidence for the clinical value of POCUS, its utility across the perioperative arena adds enormous benefit to clinical decision-making. Cardiothoracic anesthesiologists routinely have used portable ultrasound systems for nearly as long as the technology has been available, making POCUS applications a natural extension of existing cardiothoracic anesthesia practice. This narrative review presents a broad discussion of the utility of POCUS for the cardiothoracic anesthesiologist in varying perioperative contexts, including the preoperative clinic, the operating room (OR), intensive care unit (ICU), and others. Furthermore, POCUS-related education, competence, and certification are addressed.

Prolonged Weaning: S2k Guideline Published by the German Respiratory Society

Mechanical ventilation (MV) is an essential part of modern intensive care medicine. MV is performed in patients with severe respiratory failure caused by respiratory muscle insufficiency and/or lung parenchymal disease; that is, when other treatments such as medication, oxygen administration, secretion management, continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), or nasal high-flow therapy have failed. MV is required for maintaining gas exchange and allows more time to curatively treat the underlying cause of respiratory failure. In the majority of ventilated patients, liberation or "weaning" from MV is routine, without the occurrence of any major problems. However, approximately 20% of patients require ongoing MV, despite amelioration of the conditions that precipitated the need for it in the first place. Approximately 40-50% of the time spent on MV is required to liberate the patient from the ventilator, a process called "weaning". In addition to acute respiratory failure, numerous factors can influence the duration and success rate of the weaning process; these include age, comorbidities, and conditions and complications acquired during the ICU stay. According to international consensus, "prolonged weaning" is defined as the weaning process in patients who have failed at least 3 weaning attempts, or require more than 7 days of weaning after the first spontaneous breathing trial (SBT). Given that prolonged weaning is a complex process, an interdisciplinary approach is essential for it to be successful. In specialised weaning centres, approximately 50% of patients with initial weaning failure can be liberated from MV after prolonged weaning. However, the heterogeneity of patients undergoing prolonged weaning precludes the direct comparison of individual centres. Patients with persistent weaning failure either die during the weaning process, or are discharged back to their home or to a long-term care facility with ongoing MV. Urged by the growing importance of prolonged weaning, this Sk2 Guideline was first published in 2014 as an initiative of the German Respiratory Society (DGP), in conjunction with other scientific societies involved in prolonged weaning. The emergence of new research, clinical study findings and registry data, as well as the accumulation of experience in daily practice, have made the revision of this guideline necessary. The following topics are dealt with in the present guideline: Definitions, epidemiology, weaning categories, underlying pathophysiology, prevention of prolonged weaning, treatment strategies in prolonged weaning, the weaning unit, discharge from hospital on MV, and recommendations for end-of-life decisions. Special emphasis was placed on the following themes: (1) A new classification of patient sub-groups in prolonged weaning. (2) Important aspects of pulmonary rehabilitation and neurorehabilitation in prolonged weaning. (3) Infrastructure and process organisation in the care of patients in prolonged weaning based on a continuous treatment concept. (4) Changes in therapeutic goals and communication with relatives. Aspects of paediatric weaning are addressed separately within individual chapters. The main aim of the revised guideline was to summarize both current evidence and expert-based knowledge on the topic of "prolonged weaning", and to use this information as a foundation for formulating recommendations related to "prolonged weaning", not only in acute medicine but also in the field of chronic intensive care medicine. The following professionals served as important addressees for this guideline: intensivists, pulmonary medicine specialists, anaesthesiologists, internists, cardiologists, surgeons, neurologists, paediatricians, geriatricians, palliative care clinicians, rehabilitation physicians, intensive/chronic care nurses, physiotherapists, respiratory therapists, speech therapists, medical service of health insurance, and associated ventilator manufacturers.

The role of ultrasound in front-of-neck access for cricothyroid membrane identification: A systematic review

PURPOSE

Conventional palpation techniques for cricothyroid membrane (CTM) identification are inaccurate and unreliable. Ultrasound plays a multi-faceted role in airway management, however there is limited literature around its use for CTM identification prior to cricothyrotomies. This review sought to compare ultrasound to palpation in the general population, identify its indications in subjects with ill-defined neck anatomy, and determine its role in defining neck anatomy.

METHODS

Two reviewers independently assessed titles, abstracts and full-text English articles through the Ovid Medline and EMBASE databases. Studies related to ultrasound for CTM assessment and/or cricothyrotomy in subjects older than 12 years were included.

RESULTS

Fourteen studies were selected. Compared to palpation, ultrasound has greater accuracy, but longer CTM identification times in those with normal airway anatomy. Interestingly, ultrasound offers comparable times to palpation in patients with difficult airways. Ultrasound also helps define anatomical parameters in the neutral and extended neck positions thereby underscoring the importance of neck positioning during cricothyrotomies and confirming consensus-based incision recommendations set by the Difficult Airway Society.

CONCLUSION

Ultrasound appears to be superior to palpation for CTM localization especially in those with difficult airway anatomy and objectively defines neck anatomy. Its pre-emptive use should be incorporated during difficult airway management.

Tracheostomy in Adult Intensive Care Unit: An ISCCM Expert Panel Practice Recommendations

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Critically ill patients on mechanical ventilation undergo tracheostomy to facilitate weaning. The practice in India may be different from the rest of the world and therefore, in order to understand this, ISCCM conducted a multicentric observational study "DIlatational percutaneous vs Surgical tracheoStomy in intEnsive Care uniT: A practice pattern observational multicenter study (DISSECT Study)" followed by an ISCCM Expert Panel committee meeting to formulate Practice recommendations pertinent to Indian ICUs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

All existing International guidelines on the topic, various randomized controlled trials, meta-analysis, systematic reviews, retrospective studies were taken into account to formulate the guidelines. Wherever Indian data was not available, international data was analysed. A modified Grade system was followed for grading the recommendation.

RESULTS

After analyzing the entire available data, the recommendations were made by the grading system agreed by the Expert Panel. The recommendations took into account the indications and contraindications of tracheostomy; effect of timing of tracheostomy on incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia, ICU length of stay, ventilator free days & Mortality; comparison of surgical and percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) in terms of incidence of complications and cost to the patient; Comparison of various techniques of PDT; Use of fiberoptic bronchoscope and ultrasound in PDT; experience of the operator and qualification; certain special conditions like coagulopathy and morbid obesity.

CONCLUSION

This document presents the first Indian recommendations on tracheostomy in adult critically ill patients based on the practices of the country. These guidelines are expected to improve the safety and extend the indications of tracheostomy in critically ill patients.

HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE

Gupta S, Dixit S, Choudhry D, Govil D, Mishra RC, Samavedam S, Tracheostomy in Adult Intensive Care Unit: An ISCCM Expert Panel Practice Recommendations. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(Suppl 1):S31-S42.

Percutaneous Tracheostomy under Real-time Ultrasound Guidance in Coagulopathic Patients: A Single-center Experience

Objective

To examine the safety and complications associated with percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) in critically ill coagulopathic patients under real-time ultrasound guidance.

Materials and methods

Coagulopathy was defined as international normalized ratio (INR) ≥1.5 or thrombocytopenia (platelet count ≤50,000/mm³). Neck anatomy was assessed for all patients before the procedure and was characterized as excellent, good, satisfactory, and unsatisfactory based on the number of vessels in the path of needle. Percutaneous tracheostomy was performed under real-time ultrasound (USG) guidance, with certain modifications to the technique, and patients in both groups were assessed for immediate complications including bleeding.

Results

Six hundred and fifty-two patients underwent USG-guided PT. Three hundred and forty-five (52.9%) were coagulopathic before the procedure. Ninety-nine patients (15.2%) had an excellent neck anatomy on USG scan, and 112 patients (62 in coagulopathy group vs 50 in noncoagulopathy group, p value 0.386) had an unsatisfactory neck anatomy for tracheostomy. A total of 42 events of immediate complications were noted in 37 patients (5.7%). No difference was seen in the rate of immediate complications in both groups (5.8% in coagulopathy group vs 5.5% in noncoagulopathy group, p value 0.886). The incidence of minor bleeding in coagulopathic patients was 14 patients (4.1%) and 7 (2.3%) in those without coagulopathy, and this difference was not statistically different (p value-0.199). In the subgroup analysis of patients with significant coagulopathy and unsatisfactory anatomy, no difference was observed in the incidence of immediate complications.

Conclusion

This study shows the efficacy and safety of real-time ultrasound-guided PT, even in patients with coagulopathy.

How to cite this article

Kumar P, Govil D, Patel SJ, Jagadeesh KN, Gupta S, Srinivasan S, et al. Percutaneous Tracheostomy under Real-time Ultrasound Guidance in Coagulopathic Patients: A Single-center Experience. Indian J Crit Care Med 2020;24(2):122-127.

A Network Comparative Meta-analysis of Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomies Using Anatomic Landmarks, Bronchoscopic, and Ultrasound Guidance Versus Open Surgical Tracheostomy

BACKGROUND

Several different tracheostomy techniques (percutaneous and surgical) have been studied extensively in previous direct pairwise meta-analyses. However, a network comparative meta-analysis comparing all has not been conducted before.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to compare three percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy techniques with open surgical tracheostomy technique (performed in the operating room or in the intensive care unit by bedside) in terms of their association with procedure-related major complications and procedure time.

DATA SOURCES

We searched PubMed and Cochrane register of randomized active comparator trials.

DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS

A network comparative meta-analysis was performed in Stata using frequentist methodology. Major complications were defined as a composite of a priori-selected procedure-related complications. Tracheostomy techniques that did not require any direct bronchoscopic or ultrasonographic visualization of the entire procedure were grouped under the heading-anatomic landmark-based dilatational tracheostomy (ALDT). This along with bronchoscopic-guided dilatational tracheostomy (BDT), ultrasound-guided (UDT), and surgical tracheostomy (SGT) were compared with each other using network meta-analysis in Stata after all major assumptions (similarity, transitivity, and consistency) for performing a network were met. Log odds ratio (and standard errors) of the comparison of major complications between any two tracheostomy techniques (using indirect estimates) was statistically insignificant. Pairwise meta-analysis showed significant differences in procedure times between SGT and ALDT [mean difference: 9.96 min (SE 3.18)] and between SGT and BDT [15.67 min (SE 3.85)]. The indirect network meta-analysis comparing one versus the other also showed a statistically significant time difference between surgical tracheostomy when compared with every other technique.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of our network meta-analysis show that all tracheostomy techniques are comparable with respect to associated procedure-related complications, but all three percutaneous techniques take far less procedure time compared to the surgical tracheostomy.

Point-of-Care Ultrasound in the Intensive Care Unit

Spreading beyond the realm of tertiary academic medical centers, point-of-care ultrasound in the intensive care unit is an important diagnostic tool. The real-time feedback garnered can lead to critical and clinically relevant changes in management and decrease potential complications. Bedside ultrasound evaluation in the intensive care setting with a small, portable equipment is well-suited for placement of central lines, lumbar puncture, thoracentesis or other bedside ICU procedures and in the evaluation of cardiac activity, pleural and abdominal cavity and the overall fluid volume. Formalized curriculums centering on point-of-care ultrasound are emerging that will enhance its applicability and relevance.

Safety of Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy During Veno-Venous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Support in Adults With Severe Respiratory Failure

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the safety of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy in severe respiratory failure patients during veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support.

DESIGN

A single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary referral severe respiratory failure center, university teaching hospital.

PATIENTS

Severe respiratory failure patients consecutively admitted and supported with veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation between January 2010 and December 2015.

INTERVENTION

A bronchoscopy-guided percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy was performed in all cases.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Sixty-five veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients (median [interquartile range] age, 47 yr [interquartile range, 35-59 yr]; 39 males; Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation-II score, 18 [interquartile range, 17-22] Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score, 10 [interquartile range, 7-16]) underwent percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy. Ten patients (15%) developed one or more major complications. Of these, seven (11%) had major bleeding, and three of these also required circuit change due to extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit dysfunction. Two more patients (3.1%) presented with isolated extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit dysfunction requiring circuit change, and one developed bilateral pneumothoraces (1.5%) requiring intercostal drain insertion. Patients who developed complications had significantly lower extracorporeal membrane oxygenation postoxygenator PO2 prior to percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (45.8 kPa [interquartile range, 36.9-56.5 kPa] vs 57.9 kPa [interquartile range, 45.1-64.2 kPa]; p = 0.019]. On multivariate analysis, including demographic, clinical, biochemical, hematologic variables, and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation circuit functional variables, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation postoxygenator PO2 was the only independent variable associated with major complications following percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (beta = -0.09; odds ratio, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.84-0.99; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy is associated with a considerable complication rate in veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation patients. Preprocedure circuit performance as indicated by extracorporeal membrane oxygenation postoxygenator PO2 is an independent predictor of major complications following percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy.

Ultrasound-guided percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy using a saline-filled endotracheal tube cuff as an ultrasonographic puncture target: A feasibility study

PURPOSE

The saline-filled endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff can be easily identified under cervical ultrasound and can serve as an ideal puncture target during percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT). The authors present their initial experience with this novel technique.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The records of 38 consecutive critically ill patients who underwent saline-filled cuff puncture PDT between October 2016 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. The saline-filled ETT cuff was easily identified using ultrasound. Ultrasound-guided puncture into the cuff, followed by an inward-push of the ETT through the tube exchanger, facilitated accurate passage of the guidewire through the needle tip into the tracheal lumen.

RESULTS

Of 38 consecutive procedures, 37 (97.4%) were performed successfully, with only one converted to surgical tracheostomy due to guidewire displacement. The median procedure time was 8 min. There were no complications, such as accidental extubation, major bleeding, or posterior tracheal wall laceration or pneumothorax, and no procedure-related mortalities.

CONCLUSIONS

PDT performed using a saline-filled cuff as the ultrasound-guided puncture target and an endotracheal tube exchanger is feasible, and appeared to be easier to perform than standard PDT. Larger studies are required to confirm the safety and benefits of this technique.

Management of the airway in maxillofacial surgery: part 1

In part 1 of this review of management of the airway in maxillofacial surgery we discuss preoperative assessment of the airway, and the practical means to deal with difficulties. We review the evidence for videolaryngoscopy and flexible indirect laryngoscopy, together with surgical access to the airway including tracheostomy, cricothyroidotomy, and submental intubation.

Tracheotomy in the intensive care unit: Guidelines from a French expert panel: The French Intensive Care Society and the French Society of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine

Tracheotomy is widely used in intensive care units, albeit with great disparities between medical teams in terms of frequency and modality. Indications and techniques are, however, associated with variable levels of evidence based on inhomogeneous or even contradictory literature. Our aim was to conduct a systematic analysis of the published data in order to provide guidelines. We present herein recommendations for the use of tracheotomy in adult critically ill patients developed using the grading of recommendations assessment, development and evaluation (GRADE) method. These guidelines were conducted by a group of experts from the French Intensive Care Society (Société de réanimation de langue française) and the French Society of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine (Société francaise d'anesthésie réanimation) with the participation of the French Emergency Medicine Association (Société française de médecine d'urgence), the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology. Sixteen experts and two coordinators agreed to consider questions concerning tracheotomy and its practical implementation. Five topics were defined: indications and contraindications for tracheotomy in intensive care, tracheotomy techniques in intensive care, modalities of tracheotomy in intensive care, management of patients undergoing tracheotomy in intensive care, and decannulation in intensive care. The summary made by the experts and the application of GRADE methodology led to the drawing up of 8 formal guidelines, 10 recommendations, and 3 treatment protocols. Among the 8 formal guidelines, 2 have a high level of proof (Grade 1±) and 6 a low level of proof (Grade 2±). For the 10 recommendations, GRADE methodology was not applicable and instead 10 expert opinions were produced.

Comparison of Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy Guided by Ultrasound and Bronchoscopy in Critically Ill Obese Patients

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) with ultrasound (US) or bronchoscopic guidance for critically ill patients, notably obese patients.

METHODS

This work was a retrospective study. The study included mechanically ventilated patients who underwent PDT from August 2013 to July 2015 in the Department of Critical Care Medicine of Zhongshan Hospital. The patients were classified according to the different guidance methods during tracheotomy and their body mass index in the following 4 groups: normal bronchoscopy group, normal US group, obese bronchoscopy group, and obese US group. The parameters, including operation time, number of punctures, intraoperative and postoperative complications, duration of the intensive care unit stay, hospitalization time, and mortality, were recorded and compared between groups.

RESULTS

Compared with the obese bronchoscopy group, the obese US group had a significantly shorter PDT operation time (mean ± SD, 12.8 ± 4.8 versus 16.2 ± 4.4 minutes; P = .026), fewer punctures (P = .011), and a lesser amount of intraoperative hemorrhage (12.1 ± 4.6 versus 16.8 ± 4.3 mL; P = .009). There were no significant differences in these parameters between the normal US and normal bronchoscopy groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Ultrasound-guided PDT significantly reduced the number of punctures and the operation time compared with bronchoscopy-guided PDT, and it decreased intraoperative hemorrhage in critically ill obese patients. Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy with US guidance was a faster, safer, and more accurate method of airway management.

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomies in 2 Difficult Airways

Ultrasound has become a rapid, safe, and easy-to-use tool for anesthesiologists. It reduces complications, morbidity, and mortality, especially in patients with anatomic abnormalities in whom a traditional approach may be both difficult and risky. We report 2 cases of symptomatic patients with a difficult airway due to displacement of the trachea by a neck mass. Real-time ultrasound imaging was performed for percutaneous dilatational tracheostomies, identifying important structures, without any complications.

Tracheotomy in the intensive care unit: guidelines from a French expert panel

Tracheotomy is widely used in intensive care units, albeit with great disparities between medical teams in terms of frequency and modality. Indications and techniques are, however, associated with variable levels of evidence based on inhomogeneous or even contradictory literature. Our aim was to conduct a systematic analysis of the published data in order to provide guidelines. We present herein recommendations for the use of tracheotomy in adult critically ill patients developed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) method. These guidelines were conducted by a group of experts from the French Intensive Care Society (Société de Réanimation de Langue Française) and the French Society of Anesthesia and Intensive Care Medicine (Société Francaise d'Anesthésie Réanimation) with the participation of the French Emergency Medicine Association (Société Française de Médecine d'Urgence), the French Society of Otorhinolaryngology. Sixteen experts and two coordinators agreed to consider questions concerning tracheotomy and its practical implementation. Five topics were defined: indications and contraindications for tracheotomy in intensive care, tracheotomy techniques in intensive care, modalities of tracheotomy in intensive care, management of patients undergoing tracheotomy in intensive care, and decannulation in intensive care. The summary made by the experts and the application of GRADE methodology led to the drawing up of 8 formal guidelines, 10 recommendations, and 3 treatment protocols. Among the 8 formal guidelines, 2 have a high level of proof (Grade 1+/-) and 6 a low level of proof (Grade 2+/-). For the 10 recommendations, GRADE methodology was not applicable and instead 10 expert opinions were produced.

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Dilational Tracheostomy: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) is a common and increasingly used procedure in the intensive care unit (ICU). It is usually performed with bronchoscopy guidance. Ultrasound has emerged as a useful tool in order to assist PDT, potentially improving its success rate and reducing procedural-related complications.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the ultrasound-guided PDT is equivalent or superior to the bronchoscopy-guided or anatomical landmarks-guided PDT with regard to procedural-related and clinical complications.

METHODS

A systematic review of randomized clinical trials was conducted comparing an ultrasound-guided PDT to the control groups (either a bronchoscopy-guided PDT or an anatomical landmark-guided PDT) in patients undergoing a PDT in the ICU. The primary outcome was the incidence of major procedural-related and clinical complication rates. The secondary outcome was the incidence of minor complication rates. Random-effect meta-analyzes were used to pool the results.

RESULTS

Four studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria and they were analyzed. The studies included 588 participants. There were no differences in the major complication rates between the patients who were assigned to the ultrasound-guided PDT when compared to the control groups (pooled risk ratio [RR]: 0.48; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.13-1.71, I² = 0%). The minor complication rates were not different between the groups, but they had a high heterogeneity (pooled RR: 0.49; 95% CI 0.16-1.50; I² = 85%). The sensitivity analyzes that only included the randomized controlled trials that used a landmark-guided PDT as the control group showed lower rates of minor complications in the ultrasound-guided PDT group (pooled RR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.31-0.98, I² = 0%).

CONCLUSION

The ultrasound-guided PDT seems to be safe and it is comparable to the bronchoscopy-guided PDT regarding the major and minor procedural-related or clinical complications. It also seems to reduce the minor complications when compared to the anatomical landmark-guided PDT.

Realtime ultrasound guided percutaneous tracheostomy in emergency setting: the glass ceiling has been broken

Background

In recent years ultrasound guided percutaneous tracheostomy (USPCT) has become a routine practice in critical care units. Its safety and superiority over conventional percutaneous tracheostomy and bronchoscopic guided PCT is proven to be non-inferior in elective cases. However its role in emergency percutaneous tracheostomy has never been studied, since percutaneous tracheostomy itself remains an enigma in accessing emergency airway. There is no report of use of ultrasound guided percutaneous tracheostomy in emergency setting so far in the literature. We report our early experience with USPCT in emergency setting.

Methods

Sixteen adult patients who required access to an emergency surgical airway after failure to accomplish emergency oro-tracheal intubation were the study population. Their airway was accessed by USPCT. Recorded data included clinical and demographic data including time taken to perform the procedure and complications. Short term and long term follow ups for a period of 2 years were done for the survivors.

Results

Twelve male and four female patients underwent the procedure and the average time of the procedure was 3.6 min with no failures nor conversions to surgical tracheostomy and no complications. The average oxygen saturation was 86% and average Glasgow coma scale was 8.4. This time period included the oxygen insufflation time. 10 patients were decannulated while six patients died due to the pathology of the disease itself. There were no complications in either short term or long term follow up.

Conclusion

USPCT has a definitive role in emergency both in trauma and non-trauma setting. It is safe, feasible and faster in experienced hands. Use of USPCT in emergency setting has further narrowed the list of contraindications of percutaneous tracheostomy.

[Tracheostomy techniques]

Due to the comprehensive establishment of modern techniques, tracheostomy has become a routine procedure in intensive care units (ICU). The negative effects of prolonged translaryngeal intubation on the laryngeal and tracheal mucosa up to tracheal stenosis can be reduced by tracheostomy. Furthermore, long-term ventilation is facilitated; however, there is no clear evidence on the optimal timing of tracheostomy in critically ill patients. The specific indications and contraindications of surgical as well as percutaneous tracheostomy must be strictly observed for a safe and successful intervention. Exchanging the tracheostomy tube may lead to potentially dangerous situations especially after percutaneous tracheostomy. A standardized and structured approach is therefore recommended.

The Changing Role for Tracheostomy in Patients Requiring Mechanical Ventilation

Tracheostomy is performed in patients who require prolonged mechanical ventilation or have upper airway instability. Percutaneous tracheostomy with Ciaglia technique is commonly used and rivals the surgical approach. Percutaneous technique is associated with decreased risk of stomal inflammation, infection, and bleeding along with reduction in health resource utilization when performed at bedside. Bronchoscopy and ultrasound guidance improve the safety of percutaneous tracheostomy. Early tracheostomy decreases the need for sedation and intensive care unit stay but may be unnecessary in some patients who can be extubated later successfully. A multidisciplinary approach to tracheostomy care leads to improved outcomes.

Percutaneous techniques versus surgical techniques for tracheostomy

BACKGROUND

Tracheostomy formation is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in critically ill intensive care participants requiring long-term mechanical ventilation. Both surgical tracheostomies (STs) and percutaneous tracheostomies (PTs) are used in current surgical practice; but until now, the optimal method of performing tracheostomies in critically ill participants remains unclear.

OBJECTIVES

We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of percutaneous techniques compared to surgical techniques commonly used for elective tracheostomy in critically ill participants (adults and children) to assess whether there was a difference in complication rates between the procedures. We also assessed whether the effect varied between different groups of participants or settings (intensive care unit (ICU), operating room), different levels of operator experience, different percutaneous techniques, or whether the percutaneous techniques were carried out with or without bronchoscopic guidance.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the following electronic databases: CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL to 28 May 2015. We also searched reference lists of articles, 'grey literature', and dissertations. We handsearched intensive care and anaesthesia journals, abstracts, and proceedings of scientific meetings. We attempted to identify unpublished or ongoing studies by contacting manufacturers and experts in the field, and searching in trial registers.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials (quasi-RCTs) comparing percutaneous techniques (experimental intervention) with surgical techniques (control intervention) used for elective tracheostomy in critically ill participants (adults and children).

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Three authors independently checked eligibility and extracted data on methodological quality, participant characteristics, intervention details, settings, and outcomes of interest using a standardized form. We then entered data into Review Manager 5, with a double-entry procedure.

MAIN RESULTS

Of 785 identified citations, 20 trials from 1990 to 2011 enrolling 1652 participants fulfilled the inclusion criteria. We judged most of the trials to be at low or unclear risk of bias across the six domains, and we judged four studies to have elements of high risk of bias; we did not classify any studies at overall low risk of bias. The quality of evidence was low for five of the seven outcomes (very low N = 1, moderate N = 1) and there was heterogeneity among the studies. There was a variety of adult participants and the procedures were performed by a wide range of differently experienced operators in different situations.There was no evidence of a difference in the rate of the primary outcomes: mortality directly related to the procedure (Peto odds ratio (POR) 0.52, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.10 to 2.60, I² = 44%, P = 0.42, 4 studies, 257 participants, low quality evidence); and serious, life-threatening adverse events - intraoperatively: risk ratio (RR) 0.93, 95% CI 0.57 to 1.53, I² = 27%, P = 0.78, 12 studies, 1211 participants, low quality evidence,and direct postoperatively: RR 0.72, 95% CI 0.41 to 1.25, I² = 24%, P = 0.24, 10 studies, 984 participants, low quality evidence.PTs significantly reduce the rate of the secondary outcome, wound infection/stomatitis by 76% (RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.37, I² = 0%, P < 0.00001, 12 studies, 936 participants, moderate quality evidence) and the rate of unfavourable scarring by 75% (RR 0.25, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.91, I² = 86%, P = 0.04, 6 studies, 789 participants, low quality evidence). There was no evidence of a difference in the rate of the secondary outcomes, major bleeding (RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.45 to 1.09, I² = 47%, P = 0.12, 10 studies, 984 participants, very low quality evidence) and tracheostomy tube occlusion/obstruction, accidental decannulation, difficult tube change (RR 1.36, 95% CI 0.65 to 2.82, I² = 22%, P = 0.42, 6 studies, 538 participants, low quality evidence).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

When compared to STs, PTs significantly reduce the rate of wound infection/stomatitis (moderate quality evidence) and the rate of unfavourable scarring (low quality evidence due to imprecision and heterogeneity). In terms of mortality and the rate of serious adverse events, there was low quality evidence that non-significant positive effects exist for PTs. In terms of the rate of major bleeding, there was very low quality evidence that non-significant positive effects exist for PTs.However, because several groups of participants were excluded from the included studies, the number of participants in the included studies was limited, long-term outcomes were not evaluated, and data on participant-relevant outcomes were either sparse or not available for each study, the results of this meta-analysis are limited and cannot be applied to all critically ill adults.