Minitracheostomy is a valuable technique in patients with sputum retention. However, insertion of a minitracheostomy tube over a dilator passed through an incision through the cricothyroid membrane (the suggested method of insertion of the Mini-trach II, [Portex]), can prove difficult. A Seldinger method is described which results in easier and more reliable placement in difficult cases.
LewisGA, HopkinsonRB and MatthewsHR.Minitracheostomy — A report of its use in intensive therapy.Anaesthesia1986; 41:931–935.
2.
MatthewsHR and HopkinsonRB.Treatment of sputum retention by minitracheostomy.Br J Surg1984; 71:147–150.
3.
HartAM, CashmanJN, BaldockGJ and DickJA.Minitracheostomy in the treatment of sputum retention.Intens Care Med1987; 13:81–82.
4.
CiagliaP, FirschingR and SyniecC.Elective percutaneous dilational tracheostomy: a new simple bedside procedure; preliminary report.Chest1985; 87:715–719.
