Intensivists Take the Tracheostomy Lead: The Bedside Imperative
sciencedirect.comThe broader adoption of intensivist-led, bedside percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is the new standard of care in modern critical care.
The evolution of PDT reflects the increasing procedural autonomy of intensivists and a move toward resource-conscious, patient-centered critical care.
Intensivist-led bedside PDT is shown to be safe, cost-effective, and avoids the transport-related risks and preventable harm associated with surgical tracheostomy performed in the operating room.
Performing the procedure at the bedside enhances care continuity, optimizes ICU workflow, and proved especially vital during times like the COVID-19 pandemic.
Percutaneous tracheostomy should be maintained as a core competency for trained intensivists as intensive care matures into a procedure-oriented specialty.
Institutions must invest in structured training, credentialing, and outcome tracking to ensure the safety and ethical implementation of this practice.
Intensivist-led, bedside PDT is described as an ethically grounded and resource-conscious standard, rather than merely a procedural alternative.















