Endotracheal tube or laryngeal mask for airway control during percutaneous dilatational tracheostom

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy is a common procedure in the intensive care unit. It involves bronchoscope-guided tracheal puncture with a needle and guide wire followed by dilatation of the tract and placement of a tracheostomy tube. The bronchoscope helps ensure the puncture is midline and at the correct level in the trachea as well as avoiding serious complications such as perforation of the posterior tracheal wall. Airway maintenance during the procedure is traditionally via an endotracheal tube but studies suggest that using a laryngeal mask and its variants is more beneficial to the patient.