Early percutaneous tracheotomy in COVID-19 and infection in healthcare personnel. A cohort study

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between exposure to early percutaneous tracheotomy and increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection for personnel involved in the procedure. No association was found, infection rate was similar between operators exposed and not exposed to the procedure, therefore percutaneous tracheotomy seems safe for the staff involved.

A New Technique for Percutaneous Tracheotomy

The objective of this study was to investigate a new technique for tracheal puncture during percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy (PDT). A new invention, known as SafeTrach, was used: this instrument allows exact localization of the puncture site with built-in protection of the posterior tracheal wall. Surgery was performed on 17 patients with this technique, and our experience is described in this report. The results showed that this new technique minimizes known risk factors compared with existing PDT techniques, including patients with disadvantageous anatomy.