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Prophylactic percutaneous transtracheal catheterisation in the management of patients with anticipated difficult airways: a case series *
Author(s) -
Gerig H. J.,
Schnider T.,
Heidegger T.
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
anaesthesia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.839
H-Index - 117
eISSN - 1365-2044
pISSN - 0003-2409
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2044.2005.04219.x
Subject(s) - medicine , percutaneous , intubation , airway management , tracheal intubation , airway , anesthesia , ventilation (architecture) , surgery , intensive care medicine , mechanical engineering , engineering
Summary Primary tracheostomy under local anaesthesia is indicated in the management of an anticipated difficult airway in patients in whom less invasive procedures are expected to fail or have already failed. However, primary tracheostomy is a relatively complex procedure and places not inconsiderable stress on the patient. In a prospective study in our hospital over a period of 22 months, we were able to avoid primary tracheostomy in 11 patients with very difficult airways. All 11 patients were managed with prophylactically inserted transtracheal catheters and jet ventilation of the lungs. This ensured an adequate oxygen supply during tracheal intubation, and made overall patient management much easier. This method has established itself as a standard procedure in our hospital.