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Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2002; 50(2): 123-124
DOI: 10.1055/s-2002-26688
Letter to the Editor
© Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart · New York

Mediastinitis after Percutaneous Dilatational Tracheostomy

K.  Maeda, M.  Ninomiya, T.  Moyairi, T.  Morota, R.  Kitamura, S.  Takamoto
  • 1Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Tokyo, Hospital 7-3-1 Hongo, Tokyo, Japan
Further Information

Publication History

May 17, 2001

Publication Date:
30 April 2002 (online)

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Abstract

In our experience, PDT after total arch replacement, especially after dissection of neck vessels, should be approached with caution. A long skin incision that allows discharge to drain from the wound and a sufficiently long postoperative tracheostomy period to allow tissue healing in the neck are necessary for prevention of mediastinitis.

Key words

Tracheostomy - Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy - Mediastinitis - Cardiac surgery - Thoracic aortic aneurysm

References

  • 1 Wagner F, Nasseri R, Laucke U, Hetzer R. Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy: results and long-term outcome of critically ill patients following cardiac surgery.  Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 1998;  46 352-356
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  • 2 Hübner N, Rees W, Seufert K, Bockelmann M, Christmann U, Warnecke H. Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy done early after cardiac surgery - Outcome and incidence of mediastinitis.  Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 1998;  46 89-90
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MD Katsuhide Maeda

Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Tokyo, Hospital

7-3-1 Hongo,
Bunkyo-ku

Tokyo 113-8655

Japan

Phone: +81-3-5800-8654

Fax: +81-3-5684-3989