Percutaneous tracheostomy: a 6 yr prospective evaluation of the single tapered dilator technique

PDT performed by the STD technique is a relatively safe procedure with more than 96% of procedures performed without any early or late complications. Using this technique, more than 97% of tracheostomies undertaken during the study period were performed percutaneously. Further audit at a national level is warranted to fully evaluate long-term complications after PDT.