Precision guidance of simulated percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy: a pilot prototype device development study

The critical step in percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) involves needle insertion through the neck into the trachea, targeting the midline between the second and third tracheal rings. In critically ill ventilator-dependent patients, anticipated difficulty (∼25%) and potential complications (∼5%) lead to referral for surgical tracheostomy. Surgical tracheostomy is associated with logistical delays of around 4–5 days.1 Our aim was to design and evaluate a prototype medical device capable of precisely guiding an operator to accurately insert a PDT needle.