Abstract: There is provided a method for performing a tracheotomy. In this method a tracheostomy dilator has a body and a tip which are detachably attached. The tip has a proximal inner portion which is within the body while the tip is attached to the body. The dilator is inserted into the trachea and used to dilate an opening. After the trachea has been dilated, the body may be detached and removed from the tip, the tip remaining partially in the trachea. A dilator loading catheter installed within a tracheostomy tube may be mated with the tip and the tip, loading catheter and tracheostomy tube moved into the trachea. After the tracheostomy tube is installed, the tip and loading catheter may be withdrawn through the tracheostomy tube and the tracheostomy tube placed in service.

Abstract: There is provided a device for performing a tracheotomy. The tracheostomy dilator has a body and a tip which are detachably attached. The dilator has a cannula sized to accommodate a guiding catheter. The tip has a proximal inner portion which is within the body while the tip is attached to the body. After the trachea has been dilated, the body may be detached from the tip and removed and a tracheostomy tube may be inserted over the inner portion of the tip. The tip then may serve to guide a tracheostomy tube into the trachea. After the tracheostomy tube is installed, the tip and other components may be withdrawn through the tracheostomy tube and the tracheostomy tube placed in service.

Abstract: There is provided a method for performing a tracheotomy. In this method a tracheostomy dilator has a body and a tip which are detachably attached. The tip has a proximal inner portion which is within the body while the tip is attached to the body. The dilator is inserted into the trachea and used to dilate an opening. After the trachea has been dilated, the body may be detached and removed from the tip, the tip remaining partially in the trachea. A dilator loading catheter installed within a tracheostomy tube may be mated with the tip and the tip, loading catheter and tracheostomy tube moved into the trachea. After the tracheostomy tube is installed, the tip and loading catheter may be withdrawn through the tracheostomy tube and the tracheostomy tube placed in service.