Aaron's Tracheostomy Page

Introduction of tracheal needle	Placement of guide wire
Insertion of guiding catheter	Serial dilation
Placement of tracheostomy tube

Percutaneous tracheostomy in not indicated for gaining access to the airway in emergency situations and should not be confused with cricothyroid puncture.  The procedure is most commonly performed at the beside in the intensive care unit with the patient sedated and fully monitored.