The final product has been tested and found to reduce the time taken to perform a tracheostomy by almost 50 per cent because there are only seven parts instead of the 12 in the current clinical kit. “It also requires fewer insertions and removals into the patient’s throat, helping to reduce risk,” he said. “Dr Shaw believed the complication rate of the tracheostomy procedure could be dramatically reduced by simplifying the current methods, which require multiple components and steps.” ALDEN WILLIAMS/Stuff Francis Pooke, pictured, worked with intensive care specialist Geoff Shaw to create a device that halves the time needed to perform a tracheostomy.