Experimental model for percutaneous tracheostomy training

Financial support: None. Conflicts of interest: No conflicts of interest declared concerning the publication of this article. Submitted: July 06, 2017. Accepted: December 07, 2017. The study was carried out at the Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo (FCMSCSP), São Paulo, SP, Brasil. Abstract Introduction: Percutaneous tracheostomy is a procedure that presents a learning curve and requires training before it can be performed safely. Objective: To propose a practical and accessible model that enables the training of this technique. Materials and Methods: The model comprises a structure composed of a wood board resting on a PVC tube. A foam block on which the pig trachea is supported is placed on this structure. A foam sheet covered with fabric is placed over the trachea to simulate the soft parts of the neck and the skin. This is a practical training model for practice of surgeons in percutaneous tracheostomy. A questionnaire on the assessment of the proposed model to each participating surgeon was applied. Results: Ten surgeons underwent training on the model: two experienced head and neck surgeons, three specialty residents, one otorhinolaryngologist, and three general surgery residents. All of them were able to perform the procedure successfully. Conclusion: The proposed simulation model presented good results when applied to surgeons, and it is a possible alternative to percutaneous tracheostomy training.