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Updated: Aug 12, 2026

The Rigid Tube as an Alternative in Controlling the Problematic Airway
Published on: June 6, 2020
A new simple method for percutaneous tracheostomy: controlled rotating dilation. A preliminary report
1Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Spedali Civili Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
A new screw-type dilator for percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) offers a safe and quick single-step procedure. This novel device demonstrated minimal bleeding complications in a clinical trial, presenting a promising alternative for PDT.
Area of Science:
- Medical Devices
- Surgical Techniques
- Intensive Care Medicine
Background:
- Percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) is a common procedure in intensive care.
- Existing PDT techniques carry risks, including bleeding and procedural complications.
- There is a need for safer and more efficient PDT methods.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and evaluate a novel screw-type dilator for percutaneous dilational tracheostomy.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of this new PDT device.
Main Methods:
- An open, observational clinical trial was conducted in two university hospital intensive care units.
- Fifty adult patients requiring elective tracheostomy were included.
- The procedure utilized a specially designed screw-type dilator with a thread for dilation.
Main Results:
- The new device facilitated a rapid and safe dilation process in all 50 patients.
- No serious bleeding complications or significant procedural-related adverse events were observed.
- The technique showed a remarkably low incidence of even minor bleeding.
Conclusions:
- The PercuTwist device offers a controlled, single-step percutaneous dilational tracheostomy.
- It appears to be a safe and quickly performed procedure.
- This new device presents a valuable alternative for percutaneous tracheostomy with a low complication rate.
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