Tracheostomy may decrease the incidence of VAP, overall length of ventilator time, and the number of iCU patient days when performed:
A. Before the fifth day of ventilator supportAlthough not without risk, tracheostomy decreases the pulmonary dead space and provides for improved pulmonary toilet. When performed before the 1Oth day of ventilatory support, tracheostomy may decrease the incidence of VAP, the overall length of ventilator time, and the number of ICU patient days.