Percutaneous dilational tracheostomy technique and experience

A technique for percutaneous insertion of an adult tracheostomy tube in the Intensive Care Unit is described. Experience with twenty-one insertions over an eight-month period is reviewed. No major complication was noted at insertion, during cannulation or after removal in any patient. We have found the percutaneous dilational technique to be an effective and safe procedure which can be used routinely for elective tracheostomy in intubated adult patients.