Mediastinitis after Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy

Abstract

In our experience, PDT after total arch replacement, especially after dissection of neck vessels, should be approached with caution. A long skin incision that allows discharge to drain from the wound and a sufficiently long postoperative tracheostomy period to allow tissue healing in the neck are necessary for prevention of mediastinitis.

Key words

Tracheostomy - Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy - Mediastinitis - Cardiac surgery - Thoracic aortic aneurysm

References

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• 2 Hübner N, Rees W, Seufert K, Bockelmann M, Christmann U, Warnecke H. Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy done early after cardiac surgery - Outcome and incidence of mediastinitis.  Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 1998;  46 89-90