Evaluation of a new percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy set

Abstract

SummaryPercutaneous tracheostomy is a well established technique used primarily to assist weaning from mechanical ventilation on many intensive care units. We report our experiences of a total of 36 procedures performed with the new Blue Rhinoe Percutaneous Tracheostomy Introducer Set developed by Ciaglia. The technique was successful in all cases and was simpler and quicker to perform than with the earlier Ciaglia percutaneous tracheostomy set. Difficulties were encountered when using Shileye tracheostomy tubes. Significant complications included one posterior wall tear and one tracheal cartilage ring fracture.

Single-dilator percutaneous tracheostomy: a comparison of PercuTwist and Ciaglia Blue Rhino techniques

“…Based on our findings, arming the PercuTwist guidewire with an 8-F guiding catheter in the same manner as the Blue Rhino guidewire may significantly enhance the safety of the PercuTwist technique. Nonetheless, even with a guiding catheter, kinking of the guidewire/catheter unit with subsequent posterior tracheal wall injury has been reported during Blue Rhino tracheostomy [13], although serious complications with the latter technique were not observed in the recent study. With the exception of these three major or intermediate complication in the PercuTwist group described above, a few minor complications and difficulties were observed in the two groups with similar incidence.…”

“…Severe hemorrhage, damage to the posterior tracheal wall, and loss of airway are the most threatening complications of multistep procedures [3,4,5,6]. The newer methods of percutaneous tracheostomy such as TLT, Blue Rhino, and PercuTwist are single-step techniques and are intended to cause fewer and less severe complications [6,7,8,9,10,11,13]. A recent analysis of prospective studies on percutaneous tracheostomy reported a rate of serious complications below 3% for the single-step techniques of TLT and Blue Rhino [9].…”

A comparison of two single dilator percutaneous tracheostomy sets: the Blue Rhino™ and the Ultraperc™

“…Difficulties with the single dilator Blue Rhino™ technique have been reported in the past, particularly when used in conjunction with the Shiley tracheostomy tubes [11]. Methods to overcome this problem by using alternative tracheostomy tubes have also been described [12, 13].…”

Percutaneous tracheostomy and cricothyrotomy techniques

“…This technique uses a simpler kit with fewer parts than the original kit and requires fewer dilation attempts, making it faster. 14 This technique has been imitated by other manufacturers and is widely used in the UK.…”