Percutaneous Tracheostomy in COVID-19 Critically Ill Patients: Experience from 30 Consecutive Procedures

摘要: Introduction Percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) in the intensive care unit (ICU) is a well-established practice that shows reduced risk of wound infection compared with surgical tracheostomy, thus facilitating mechanical ventilation, nursing procedures, reduction sedation and early mobilization. Objective This an observational case-control study compares results PT ICU patients coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) prospectively enrolled to similar group subjects, retrospectively recruited, without COVID-19. Methods Ninety-eight consecutive COVID-19 admitted at Pisa Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Pisana between March 11th May 20th, 2020 were studied. Thirty them underwent using different techniques. Another 30 non-COVID-19 used as control-group. The main outcome was evaluate safety feasibility patients. We measured rate complications. Results Percutaneous performed techniques 98 ICU. Tracheostomy on day 10 (mean 10 ± 3.3) from time intubation. Major tracheal complications occurred 5 during procedure. In control patients, no differences found regards timing whereas statistically significant difference observed regarding only one ring rupture reported. Conclusion Percutaneous showed higher controls even though same precautions expertise applied. Larger studies are needed understand whether itself carries increased damage.