Use of the vessel sealing system in tracheostomy

Background: Tracheostomy is a frequent, and at times semiurgent, surgical procedure. It is performed in close proximity to the thyroid gland, and in many cases requires division of its isthmus, putting a patient in danger of significant bleeding. Objectives: To examine prospectively the feasibility of vessel sealing in tracheostomy. Methods: A vessel-sealing device was used in 24 consecutive patients undergoing tracheostomy. There were no exclusion criteria for enrolling the patients. No other hemostatic technique was used for dividing the isthmus. Results: There were no bleeding events throughout the postoperative period. The operating time saving was 5-10 minutes. Conclusions: Use of the vessel sealer was found to be straightforward, efficacious, rapid and safe.