Bed-side Open Tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients: Our experience on a
safe and swift operative approach
Abstract
5 Key points: • As an aerosol-generating procedure (AGP), tracheostomy
poses significant viral transmissions risks to health care workers • The
decision about tracheostomy method and optimal setting depends on a
multitude of local factors with no available studies to suggest the
superior option • We describe our effective, safe and swift approach to
bedside open tracheostomy during the COVID-19 pandemic • A key approach
in performing an effective bedside tracheostomy is to ensure that the
procedure is standardised and performed by highly experienced surgeons,
anaesthetist and scrub team. • Our experience with bedside open
tracheostomy demonstrated a short mean procedural time, with no
tracheostomy-related complications and no reported viral transmission
amongst the healthcare members involved.