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Tracheal trauma from percutaneous tracheostomy using the Griggs method
1Sir Humphry Davy Departmentof Anaesthesia, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Marlborough Street, Bristol BS2 8HW, UK. malandemma@msn.com
Anaesthesia
|March 7, 2002
Summary
This study evaluated the safety of Griggs tracheostomy forceps. Findings indicate a safe margin for tracheal dilation, with pretracheal tissue force guiding application.
Area of Science:
- Medical Devices
- Surgical Procedures
- Anatomy
Background:
- Percutaneous tracheostomy is a common procedure.
- Ensuring safety during dilation is critical.
- Griggs guidewire dilating forceps are used in this procedure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety margin of Griggs tracheostomy forceps.
- To compare forces required for tracheal destruction versus dilation.
- To assess the utility of pretracheal tissue dilation as a force guide.
Main Methods:
- Force and distance measurements were taken during percutaneous tracheostomy on 12 cadavers.
- Griggs guidewire dilating tracheostomy forceps with monitoring were used.
- Measurements were converted from millivolts to force and distance using calibration tables.
Main Results:
- Significantly more force was needed for tracheal destruction (87.7 N) than therapeutic dilation (31.6 N) (p <0.001).
- Less force was required for therapeutic dilation compared to pretracheal tissue dilation (31.6 N vs. 44.4 N) (p <0.05).
Conclusions:
- Griggs tracheostomy forceps demonstrate a safe margin, making inadvertent tracheal destruction unlikely.
- Dilation force of pretracheal tissues can serve as a practical guide for therapeutic dilation force application.