Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 15, 2026

The Rigid Tube as an Alternative in Controlling the Problematic Airway
Published on: June 6, 2020
Comparative clinical trial of progressive dilatational and forceps dilatational tracheostomy
L W Van Heurn1, W B Mastboom, C I Scheeren
1Department of Surgery, University Hospital, The Netherlands. lvh@shee.azm.nl
Objective:
To compare the safety and early complications of progressive dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) and forceps dilatational tracheostomy (FDT).
Design:
Prospective randomized trial.
Setting:
Three-centre university and public teaching hospitals.
Patients:
One hundred and twenty-seven consecutive patients were randomized to undergo PDT or FDT.
Results:
The duration of the procedure was 7.0 +/- 3.5 min in the PDT group and 6.4 +/- 4.9 min in the FDT group, which was not significantly different. Intraprocedural complications occurred in 14 % with PDT and 31% with FDT (p = 0.03), and were usually minor. Difficult or false insertion of the cannula in eight patients after FDTwas the most common complication.
Conclusions:
Both percutaneous tracheostomy techniques are safe. The early complication rate of PDT appeared to be lower than FDT, but the early complication rate of FDT may be decreased significantly with small modifications to the set.
Related Concept Videos
Trachea
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of the...
Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen
Venturi Mask
The Venturi mask, named after the Venturi effect, is designed to deliver precise oxygen concentrations. It consists of a large tube with an oxygen inlet that narrows down, causing a pressure drop that pulls air in through adjustable side ports. The mask is a lightweight,...
Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece
Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) in the anterior part of the trachea. It is used to establish a patient airway, bypass an upper airway obstruction, simplify the removal of secretions, permit long-term...
Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
Tracheostomy Decannulation
Description of the Procedure
Decannulation refers to the permanent removal of the tracheostomy tube, signaling the resolution of the condition that initially necessitated the tracheostomy. The process requires a well-coordinated interplay between...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation V: Advanced Airway Management Techniques

