Recurrent cuff failure post-surgical tracheostomy: a novel solution

Tracheostomy cuff failure is a recognised and potentially serious complication, especially in the critically ill patient with high oxygen requirements. It would seem that the incidence of cuff failure might be lower with an open surgical technique as this would allow direct vision. We describe a case in which a patient underwent a surgical tracheostomy resulting in persistent leaking of the cuff despite attempts to re-position it.