Device Combines Tracheostomy Balloon Dilation and Tube Insertion

A new device, designed for percutaneous dilational tracheostomy (PDT) procedures, combines balloon dilation and tracheal tube insertion into one step.

The Ciaglia Blue Dolphin PDT device smoothes the transition from dilation to tracheostomy tube insertion stages during PDT, thus reducing potential complications while also minimizing procedure time from skin incision to tube placement. The balloon minimizes pressure on the anterior tracheal wall and delivers an even and controlled radial dilation; this significantly reduces the downward force needed to create a tracheal stoma compared to traditional PDTs. Additionally, the device may minimize bleeding, ring fractures, and posterior wall perforations by eliminating the need for a dilator to advance back and forth in the trachea, and by limiting soft tissue dissection to a simple skin incision. Due to the "elastic memory” character of the tissue, the stoma tightly contracts around the tracheostomy tube once the procedure is complete, providing the needed seal and tamponade effect to help prevent bleeding. The device is constructed of nylon, with a dilation balloon that measures 5.4 cm long with an outer diameter of 16 mm when fully inflated. The maximum inflation pressure of the balloon is 11 atmospheres. The Ciaglia Blue Dolphin is a product of Cook Medical (Bloomington, IN, USA); physicians are required to undergo product training prior to purchase.

"Since 1987, we have worked with innovative physicians and surgeons to improve the safety, economy and convenience of this popular procedure,” said Bruce Gingles, global vice president of Cook Medical's critical care strategic business unit. "By introducing the Ciaglia Blue Dolphin, we've produced a device that simplifies these procedures. The product's beauty lies in its simplicity; it is an uncomplicated and efficient way to perform PDT.”

"Minimizing the invasiveness of surgical techniques is vital when caring for critically ill patients,” said Ben deBoisblanc, M.D., Ph.D., a professor of medicine and physiology at the Louisiana State University (LSU) Health Sciences Center (New Orleans, LA, USA). "Employing radial balloon dilation, the Ciaglia Blue Dolphin represents an evolution in percutaneous tracheostomy technique that can potentially reduce risks associated with the traditional procedure, including anterior wall compression and posterior wall injury.”

Related Links:
Cook Medical
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center