Critical Procedures

Percutaneous Tracheostomy & Cricothyroidotomy

Includes pre-procedure assessment, bronchoscopic guidance, stepwise dilation, troubleshooting, post-procedure care, and when to favor surgical approaches.

Tracheostomy • Emergency airway • ComplicationsReading time · 27mWord count · 3,725

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Exam mapping & scope

This chapter covers indications, contraindications, patient selection, pre‑procedure evaluation, technique, troubleshooting, complications, and post‑procedure care for percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT/PT) and cricothyroidotomy. Emphasis is placed on bedside decision‑making in the ICU, device options and steps, guidance modalities (bronchoscopy and ultrasound), anticoagulation/antiplatelet management, special populations (obesity, high ventilatory support, coagulopathy, ECMO/COVID), and emergency “can’t intubate, can’t oxygenate” (CICO) rescue with needle, surgical, or percutaneous cricothyroidotomy.

Focus this round

  • Patient selection
  • Bleeding control
  • Emergency rescue

Orientation

Target audience: IP fellows and practicing pulmonologists Blueprint section: Interventional airway—tracheostomy (percutaneous vs surgical), emergency surgical airway (cricothyroidotomy)

Interactive chapter

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