Percutaneous tracheostomy

Tracheostomy is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures to provide long-term ventilator access and to facilitate tracheal function in critically ill patients; it has traditionally been performed in the operating room. For many reasons, including facilitating surgery in a timely manner and avoiding the risks of transporting critically ill, ventilator-dependent patients, surgeons have sought ways to perform tracheostomies at the bedside. Such bedside procedures can be performed successfully but may be limited by personnel, poor space, inadequate lighting, and lack of necessary equipment.