Crit Care Resusc
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To review the indications and complications of the percutaneous tracheostomy compared with the standard surgical tracheostomy in the critically ill patient. ⋯ In the critically ill patient who requires a tracheostomy, the percutaneous rather than the standard surgical technique is the method of choice as it can be performed at the bedside, leaves a smaller scar after decannulation and may be associated with fewer complications compared with the standard surgical technique.
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To describe and evaluate clinically applicable approaches to measurement of respiratory mechanics in critically ill patients. ⋯ Some of this information is available on modern ventilators, but greater insight requires measurement and manipulation of flow and pressure data using a pneumotachograph and pressure transducers. Given the importance of respiratory mechanics in the management of many critically ill patients, and given how poorly the respiratory system is monitored compared with the cardiovascular system, it is worth considering making this simple but additional effort.