Percutaneous dilational device

A dilator for tracheostomies, comprising:

• a member extending from a proximal end to a distal end with a passageway extending therethrough defined by a wall, the member having an elongate generally linear shaft portion extending from the proximal end and having a large diameter, a small diameter short distal tip portion adjacent the distal end, and a curved tapered distal portion extending from the generally linear shaft portion to the short distal tip portion;
• the curvature and the tapering of the curved tapered distal portion is gradual and continuous;
• the wall thickness of at least the curved tapered distal portion decreases from the generally linear shaft portion to the short distal tip portion;
• the curved tapered distal portion has an outer surface that is lubricious;
• the taper of the curved tapered distal portion is about 3.19°;
• the short distal tip portion is very flexible and the generally linear shaft portion is generally rigid and the curved tapered distal portion has a gradual transition in its flexibility from very flexible at the short distal tip portion to generally rigid at the generally linear shaft portion;
• and
• a marking is provided on the outer surface of the member between the generally linear shaft portion and the curved tapered distal portion to indicate the safety limit of insertion into the incision.