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Updated: Jul 30, 2026
04:46
A Novel Rescue Technique for Difficult Intubation and Difficult Ventilation
Published on: January 17, 2011
Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy for emergent airway access
Mark J Ault1, Brian Ault, Philip K Ng
1Division of General Internal Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and University of California Los Angeles School of Medicine, CA, USA. Mark.Ault@cshs.org
Journal of Intensive Care Medicine
|March 24, 2004
Summary
Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) offers a viable method for emergent airway access when conventional intubation fails. This case series demonstrates PDT
Area of Science:
- Emergency Medicine
- Critical Care
- Surgical Procedures
Background:
- Conventional intubation methods can fail in emergent situations.
- Severe respiratory distress necessitates rapid airway establishment.
- Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is an alternative airway access technique.
Observation:
- A case series of 9 patients with failed intubation was analyzed.
- All patients underwent percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) for emergent airway access.
- The study period spanned 58 months.
Findings:
- Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) was technically successful in all 9 patients.
- No intraoperative complications such as bleeding or incorrect tube placement occurred.
- Three patients survived to hospital discharge, while six patients demised due to underlying conditions or complications.
Implications:
- Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is a safe and effective option for emergent surgical airway management.
- Proficiency in PDT can be achieved and maintained in elective settings.
- PDT may be a valuable tool in managing critically ill patients requiring emergent airway access.
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