Percutaneous dilational tracheostomy techniques

There are many tracheostomy procedures based on the Seldinger technique that fall under the classification of "percutaneous dilational tracheostomy" (PDT). Some represent only minor variations of the original Ciaglia PDT technique, whereas a few are novel procedures that have little resemblance to Ciaglia's original description. This article discusses the potential benefits and risks of notable variations to PDT, along with their technical adjuncts, such as video bronchoscopy and ultrasound, that are advocated to improve PDT safety.