“Hybrid tracheostomy”: a low risk procedure for tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients

Abstract

Background: Tracheostomy in ventilated patients suffering from Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) carries an increased risk of exposure to virus-containing aerosol for the staff. Objective: Evaluation of a risk-reduced procedure for tracheostomy. Method: Presentation of “hybrid tracheostomy”: a method combining the advantages of conventional surgical and percutaneous dilative tracheostomy. Results: Tracheostomy of six patients using the hybrid method without any complications. Conclusion: “Hybrid tracheostomy” offers a minimally invasive and safe procedure with low risk of exposure to virus-containing aerosol.