Diametrical differences between percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy loading dilators and percutaneous tracheostomy tubes. Diametrical differences between percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy loading dilators and percutaneous tracheostomy tubes. A: Size 10 Shiley over a 28 French (28F) loading dilator leaves an escalated step. Note the deformity (arrow) caused by the step during the insertion of the tube. A good fit combination is shown in B: Size 8 Shiley and a 28 French loading dilator, showing no gap between the loading dilator and the tube (arrow). C: Example of another sizing issue, size 6 Shiley loaded over a 24 French (24F) dilator, again showing the step deformity (arrow). From Reference 78, with permission. Images courtesy Dr Amer Majeed. Nora H Cheung, and Lena M Napolitano Respir Care 2014;59:895-919 (c) 2012 by Daedalus Enterprises, Inc.