Findings/Results
Enhanced PPE is recommended during tracheotomy of COVID-19 positive patients. Adjunctive airway management before definitive intervention includes use of high flow nasal cannulas (HFNC). Non-invasive ventilation via continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) machines are not recommended. Timing of tracheotomy should be at least 10 days after intubation. Percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy (PDT) is likely associated with lower transmission risks to healthcare workers (HCW) than surgical tracheotomy (ST). Other key precautions include minimizing diathermy use.