Abstract
In order to assess current practice of percutaneous tracheostomy (PT) in UK intensive care units (ICUs), we created a web-based survey by e-mail invitation to the clinical directors of 184 ICUs taking part in the ICNARC case-mix programme. The response rate was 46% (n=85). Most units performed 100 or fewer PTs each year. Just over half, 55.3%, had access to resident on-site surgical backup with ENT being the most common specialty providing this. Nearly one third, 30.6%, performed PTs out of routine hours; 30.6% used ultrasound to visualise potential problematic vessels. Bronchoscopy was used by 81.7% of units for all PTs performed, and conical dilation was the most popular technique. Fifteen units, 8.2%, did not routinely perform chest X-ray after PT insertion, but 49.4% of respondents did not feel that chest X-ray was mandatory after routine uncomplicated PT insertion. Despite certain trends in practice, there is still disparity in the practice of PT among ICUs in the UK. Ultrasound examination for problematic blood vessels prior to PT should be considered, bronchoscopy should be readily available and the use of routine chest X-ray after uncomplicated PT insertion should be questioned.