Tracheostomy in COVID-19: Many opportunities, limited evidence By Andrew DeMaio, M.D. and David Feller-Kopman, M.D. Let’s start with a case – one that unfortunately we have seen way too frequently over the past few months. A 61-year-old man with ESRD on hemodialysis and prior pulmonary embolism was admitted to the ICU for ARDS due to COVID-19. He was intubated and mechanically ventilated with an initial P/F ratio of 110. He required proning and neuromuscular blockade, although his gas exchange has improved over the past few days. He requires moderate ventilator support with FiO2 of 50% and PEEP 12 cmH2O. He is on a heparin infusion and no vasopressors. It is day 12 of mechanical ventilation and the intensivist consults your team regarding the risks and benefits of tracheostomy. What do you recommend?
Tracheostomy in COVID-19: Who, When, How?
Tracheostomy in COVID-19: Who, When, How?
Tracheostomy in COVID-19: Who, When, How?
Tracheostomy in COVID-19: Many opportunities, limited evidence By Andrew DeMaio, M.D. and David Feller-Kopman, M.D. Let’s start with a case – one that unfortunately we have seen way too frequently over the past few months. A 61-year-old man with ESRD on hemodialysis and prior pulmonary embolism was admitted to the ICU for ARDS due to COVID-19. He was intubated and mechanically ventilated with an initial P/F ratio of 110. He required proning and neuromuscular blockade, although his gas exchange has improved over the past few days. He requires moderate ventilator support with FiO2 of 50% and PEEP 12 cmH2O. He is on a heparin infusion and no vasopressors. It is day 12 of mechanical ventilation and the intensivist consults your team regarding the risks and benefits of tracheostomy. What do you recommend?