Objectives: We previously introduced the concept of the collaborative percutaneous tracheostomy (PercTrach) performed in conjunction with pulmonary medicine/critical care (PCC), and now present a robust experience that validates our original concept of exploiting subspecialty expertise.
Methods: One hundred consecutive PercTrachs were performed. The PCC team performed bronchoscopic guidance, while the otolaryngology team performed the PercTrach using the Blue Rhino introducer set. Demographic data were gathered.
Results: One hundred PercTrachs were performed between May 2003 and December 2005. The mean +/- SD patient age was 54.3 +/- 15.9 years. Procedural times ranged from 5 to 37 minutes, with a mean of 12.9 +/- 5.7 minutes. Surgical complications included one patient with bleeding who required surgical intervention.
Conclusions and significance: There are numerous benefits to capitalizing on the respective expertise represented by otolaryngology and PCC including conservation of operating room time, rapid and safe establishment of the tracheostomy, and educational benefits for both programs.