Objective To study the application of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy in the critical pa- tient. Methods Twenty eight critical patients performed percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy have been followed up in our hospital during 1996 - 2000, and the operating time, the perioperative complications and the following - up results were reviewed. Results all of the 28 patients were operated on successfully,no complication occurred dur- ing the operation , and little bleeding was observed, most of the patients have been followed up, the longest following - up period was 18 months, and the cosmetic effect was good. Conclusions The percutaneous dilatational tracheo- somy is a good less invasive surgical technique. It can meet the needs of the clinical tasks and worth to apply to some critical area.