Ultrasound imaging for endotracheal tube repositioning during percutaneous tracheostomy in a cadaver model: a potential teaching modality.

Background: Percutaneous tracheostomy (PCT) is a widely accepted method for the insertion of a tracheostomy tube in a critically ill patient. Because a patient's preexisting endotracheal tube is manipulated during the procedure, premature extubation with potential catastrophic loss of airway control is a risk. As portable ultrasound imaging becomes increasingly useful in the critical care setting, investigations continue to determine the safety of PCT with the technology.