The use of tracheostomy following major open cardiac surgery: a review of 64 cases.

Tracheostomy is one of the oldest established procedures in surgical practice, but the indications for its use have undergone considerable changes, particularly in the last 25 years (Borman and Davidson, 1963). Its use is again under review (Lancet, 1967) and, as a result of the associated complications, many centres are using alternative methods, such as oro-tracheal and naso-tracheal intubation, even though they may have their own drawbacks (Tonkin and Harrison, 1966). It is therefore pertinent to review the use of tracheostomy in relation to one of the more recent indications-that is, after major open cardiac surgery.