The 'Percutrac': a minimally invasive percutaneous tracheostomy device

The traditional surgical technique of tracheostomy involves a formal dissection to gain access to the airway. This is usually indicated when prolonged airway protection or mechanical ventilation is required and as such is often performed in conjunction with intensive care management. Alternative percutaneous approaches have recently been introduced to facilitate the performance of this procedure. These involve the use of disposable kits which are expensive. The technique introduced by the authors involves specially designed and reusable surgical instruments (Percutrac) which allow rapid access to the airway at the bedside, operating theatre or in cases of emergency airway obstruction. Being autoclavable the instruments are reusable and therefore cost effective.