Tracheotomy Management: Introduction: the history of tracheotomy

Case presentation In 1799, Elisha Cullen Dick, a former pupil of Benjamin Rush, was called to help attend to GeorgeWashington. Dr. Dick and two other physicians used copious bleeding in addition to other medical procedures. Dr. Dick suggested that a tracheotomy be performed to relieve the General’s obstructed airway. This suggestion was overruled andWashington died of obstruction from an upper airway infection.