title: The Parkland 12-Minute Checklist Tracheotomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To validate the surgical time and propose a new checklist or algorithm to execute a tracheotomy within 12 minutes with optimal outcomes.
  
  
  METHODS
  The authors designed and implemented a checklist method for tracheotomy based on 6 consecutive patients with respiratory failure and prolonged intubation in a medical intensive care unit. The primary outcome variable was surgical time for a tracheotomy performed by a fifth- or sixth-year resident under the supervision of the senior author (M.Z.).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Six consecutive patients undergoing tracheotomy (mean, 48 yr; range, 24 to 55 yr; 4 men and 2 women) were included in the study. The average time recorded from the incision to correct insertion of the tracheotomy tube and confirmation of carbon dioxide return by the anesthesiologist was 10.66 minutes (range, 8 to 12 minutes).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This checklist facilitates the execution of a time-efficient and safe tracheotomy in less than 12 minutes.
authors.affiliation: Former Chief Resident, University of Texas Southwestern, Parkland Memorial Hospital, Dallas, TX; Clinical Instructor, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; Chief, Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Philadelphia Veteran's Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Electronic address: neeraj.panchal@uphs.upenn.edu.
authors.forename: Neeraj
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Panchal
authors.affiliation: Clinical Assistant Professor, Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Parkland Memorial Hospital, Dallas, TX.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Zide
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000465:Algorithms; D059925:Anatomic Landmarks / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D057189:Checklist; D003413:Cricoid Cartilage / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D003422:Critical Care; D004210:Dissection / Q000379:methods; D004598:Electrosurgery / Q000295:instrumentation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal / Q000295:instrumentation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009334:Neck Muscles / Q000601:surgery; D061646:Operative Time; D056888:Patient Positioning; D058996:Quality Improvement; D012131:Respiratory Insufficiency / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy; D012449:Safety; D013249:Sternum / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D050151:Subcutaneous Fat / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors; D014140:Tracheotomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult