Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 13, 2025

A Novel Rescue Technique for Difficult Intubation and Difficult Ventilation
Published on: January 17, 2011
A Technique to Minimize Aerosolization During Percutaneous Tracheostomy in COVID-19 Patients
Alejandro Betancourt-Ramirez1, Jay A Yelon1, Paul Boland1
124464 Department of Surgery, Division of Acute Care Surgery, Southside Hospital/Northwell Health, Bay Shore, NY, USA.
Background:
The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has caused respiratory failure in many patients. With no effective treatment or vaccine, prolonged mechanical ventilation is common in survivors. Timing and performance of tracheostomy, for both patient and surgical team safety, remains a question. Here within, we report our experience with percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy with modification to minimize aerosolization.
Methods:
A modified percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy technique is described. The technique was performed on 10 patients in the surgical intensive care unit.
Results:
Ten patients underwent percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy. There were 7 males, and the average age for the group was 60.8 years. The average number of ventilator days before the operation was 26.3. All procedures were successful, and no patient had any procedure-related complications.
Conclusions:
The procedure described was successful in our patient population. We believe that this approach is safe for patients with coronavirus disease 2019 and limits aerosolization during the operation.
Level Of Evidence:
Level IV, case series.
Related Concept Videos
Tracheostomy Suctioning II: Procedure
Tracheostomy Suctioning I: Pre-Procedural Steps
Equipment Required
First, gather all necessary equipment: a sterile suction catheter, a sterile disposable container, sterile gloves, a towel or...
Tracheostomy Care I: Pre-procedural Steps
Required Equipment
The equipment necessary for tracheostomy care includes:
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,...
Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask...
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation II: ACLS Airway Management

