ABSTRACT

Many lives are saved in critically ill patients by the introduction of an endotracheal tube (ETT) and mechanical ventilation. Most patients are capable of weaning from such invasive support once the acute process has resolved. Approximately 10% to 24% (1,2) are unable to wean from endotracheal intubation and require the surgical placement of a tracheostomy. Although timing of tracheostomy placement is controversial, a tracheostomy may offer advantages over more prolonged intubation (3).