Tracheal ring fracture secondary to percutaneous tracheostomy: is tracheal flaccidity a risk factor?

Objective: To evaluate the risk factors of tracheal ring fracture and whether previous tracheal ring flaccidity predisposes to it in consecutive, mechanically ventilated, intensive care unit patients undergoing different percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy procedures (Ciaglia Blue Rhino, PercuTwist, and Ciaglia BlueDolphin).

Design: Single-center retrospective study performed between November 2006 and July 2013.

Setting: Single-center university hospital.