• Number of ventilator-free days defined as the number of days between successful weaning from MV and day 60 after study enrolment.
  
• VFDs = 0 if the patient dies before 60days.
  
• VFDs= (60- X) : if the patient is successfully weaned from MV within 60 days, where X is the number of days spent receiving MV
  
• VFDs = 0: if the patient requires MV for 60 days or more
  
• The trial will be considered positive if early tracheostomy increases the number VFDs of at least 7 days (mean)
  

• Other outcomes will be compared between the two arms:
  
• Mortality rate (day 60, in-ICU, in-hospital)
  
• ICU length of stay
  
• Hospital length of stay
  
• Duration of MV in survivors
  
• Organ failure evolution
  
• Infectious complications
  
• Early laryngeal and tracheal complications
  
• Sedation needs
  
• Patient comfort
  
• Outcome on day 90
  

Background: Prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV> 7 days) is required in less than 10% of patients after cardiovascular surgery but it is associated with high morbidity and mortality.

Several studies conducted in critically ill patients suggested that early percutaneous tracheotomy compared with delayed tracheotomy decreases the length of ventilator dependence and improves outcome. To date, no randomized trial has tested these possible benefits in critically ill patients after cardiac surgery.

Study objectives: A randomized trial has been designed to determine whether early tracheostomy (day 4 after cardiac surgery) in patients still on MV would reduce the number of days under MV, measured by the evaluation of ventilator-free days (VFDs). Secondary objectives are the reduction of mortality, reduction of ICU and hospital length of stay. Evaluation of organ failure evolution, infectious complications, sedation needs, patient comfort and outcome at 3 months will be also considered.

Study hypothesis: The trial will be consider positive if early tracheotomy increases the number VFDs of at least 7 days (mean) evaluated on day 60 after randomisation.

Methods :

Trial : randomized, open, controlled, monocentric Inclusion criteria: see columns below Exclusion criteria: see columns below Randomization: will use a computerised system on day 4 after cardiac surgery Procedures: see columns below Recorded data: demographic characteristics, pre, per and postoperative parameters.

From randomization until ICU discharge (or day 60), a daily chart will be completed.

Judgment criteria: see columns below Sample size and statistical analysis: using Wilcoxon bilateral test with an alpha risk of 5% and a power of 80%, we calculated that 108 patients in each arm would be needed.

Statistical analyses will use standard tests to compare population of the two arms.