100 consecutive collaborative percutaneous tracheostomies.
OBJECTIVE
We previously introduced the concept of the collaborative percutaneous tracheostomy (PercTrach) performed in conjunction with pulmonary medicine/critical care (PCC), and now present a robust experience that validates our original concept of exploiting subspecialty expertise.


METHODS
One hundred consecutive PercTrachs were performed. The PCC team performed bronchoscopic guidance, while the otolaryngology team performed the PercTrach using the Blue Rhino introducer set. Demographic data were gathered.


RESULTS
One hundred PercTrachs were performed between May 2003 and December 2005. The mean +/- SD patient age was 54.3 +/- 15.9 years. Procedural times ranged from 5 to 37 minutes, with a mean of 12.9 +/- 5.7 minutes. Surgical complications included one patient with bleeding who required surgical intervention.


CONCLUSIONS
There are numerous benefits to capitalizing on the respective expertise represented by otolaryngology and PCC including conservation of operating room time, rapid and safe establishment of the tracheostomy, and educational benefits for both programs.
Seybt
Melanie W
MW
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta, GA 30912-4060, USA.
Blanchard
Amy R
AR
Gourin
Christine G
CG
Terris
David J
DJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013038:Specialization; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000295:instrumentation*