Optimal methodology for percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy: a comparative analysis between conventional and multidisciplinary approaches utilizing ultrasound, flexible bronchoscopy, and microcatheter puncture in critically ill individuals of diminutive stature-a longitudinal single-institutional experience and retrospective analysis.

Background: Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT), a bedside procedure in intensive care, enhances respiratory support for critically ill patients with benefits over traditional tracheostomy, such as improved safety, ease of use, cost-effectiveness, and operational efficiency by eliminating patient transfers to the operating room. It also minimizes complications including bleeding, infection, and inflammation. Despite decades of PDT evolution and device diversification, adaptations primarily cater to larger Western patients rather than smaller-statured Korean populations. This study assesses the efficacy and appropriateness of the Ciaglia Blue Rhino (Cook Critical Care, Bloomington, IN, USA), augmented with ultrasound, flexible bronchoscopy, and microcatheter techniques, for Korean patients with short stature.

Methods: We conducted PDT on 183 intubated adults (128 male/55 female) with severe respiratory issues at a single medical center from January 2010 to December 2022. Patients were divided into two groups for retrospective analysis: a modified group (n=133) underwent PDT with ultrasound-guided flexible bronchoscopy and microcatheter puncture, and a conventional group (n=50) received PDT using only the Ciaglia Blue Rhino device. We assessed clinical and demographic characteristics, outcomes, and complications such as pneumothorax and emphysema. The study also evaluated the suitability and effectiveness of the devices for Korean patients with short stature.

Results: Demographic characteristics including sex, body weight, height, body mass index, obesity status, and underlying diseases showed no significant differences between the two groups. However, the modified group was older (69.5±14.2 vs. 63.5±14.1 years; P=0.01). The sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) and simplified acute physiology score (SAPS) II score was slightly higher in the modified groups, but no statistically significant differences were observed (7.1±2.3 vs. 6.7±2.3, P=0.31 and 46.7±9.0 vs. 44.0±9.1, P=0.08, respectively). The duration of hospital and ICU stays, as well as days post-PDT, were longer in the conventional group, yet these differences were not statistically significant (P=0.20, P=0.44, P=0.06). Total surgical time, including preparation, ultrasound, bronchoscopy, and microcatheter puncture, was significantly longer in the modified group (25.6±7.5 vs. 19.9±6.5 minutes; P<0.001), and the success rate of the first tracheal puncture was also higher (100.0% vs. 92.0%; P=0.006). Intra-operative bleeding was less frequent in the modified group (P=0.02 for tracheostomy site bleeding and P=0.002 for minor bleeding).

Conclusions: PDT, performed at the bedside in intensive care settings, proves to be a swift and dependable method. Utilizing the Ciaglia Blue Rhino device, combined with ultrasound guidance, flexible bronchoscopy, and 4.0-Fr microcatheter puncture, PDT is especially effective for intubated patients who cannot be weaned from ventilation. This technique results in fewer complications than traditional tracheostomy and is particularly beneficial for patients with respiratory issues and smaller-statured Koreans, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality.