A Seldinger technique for minitracheostomy insertion.

Minitracheostomy is a valuable technique in patients with sputum retention. However, insertion of a minitracheostomy tube over a dilator passed through an incision through the cricothyroid membrane (the suggested method of insertion of the 'Mini-trach II', [Portex]), can prove difficult. A Seldinger method is described which results in easier and more reliable placement in difficult cases.