Airway exchange catheter
Airway exchange catheter; aka airway exchange guide; examples include the Cook Airway Exchange Catheter and the Aintree Intubation Catheter
Category Airway
Post-intubation hypoxia
Post-intubation hypoxia can be rapidly fatal without early intervention, which requires a structured approach to concurrently identifying and treating the underlying cause
Progressive Pneumonia
Nonresolving or Progressive Pneumonia: failure to normalize the clinical features (eg, fever, cough, sputum production), or nonresolving image in chest radiograph
Extubation Assessment in the ED
The general principles are the same as for extubation of ICU patients. However, the criteria for extubation in the ED are generally more stringent as most ED staff are less experienced and less familiar with the process
Swallowing
Normal swallowing requires: timing and coordination of many muscles and several cranial nerves which are under voluntary and involuntary nervous control.
Non-Invasive Ventilation for Weaning
Non-invasive ventilation can be used as adjunct for weaning patients from mechanical ventilation
Extubation Assessment in the ICU
The criteria used to assess a patient to determine whether they are ready for extubation is complex and multi-factorial.
Cuff Leak Test
The cuff leak test is used to predict risk of post-extubation stridor in intubated patients. Use and interpretation of the test needs to take into account the overall context of the patient's condition and the management implications
Tracheostomy Complications
Tracheostomy complications can be immediate, delayed or late
Assessment of Swallow in a Tracheostomy Patient
The presence of a tracheostomy tube can adversely effect swallowing: in patients who previously had no dysphagia; and further impair swallowing function in those who already have neurological or mechanical disorders of swallowing.
Anatomy for Tracheostomy
To perfrom a tracheostomy, knowledge of the following is required: surface anatomy, course of the trachea, structure of the tracheal rings, layers of dissection, components of the larynx and related structures
Timing of Tracheostomy
Tracheostomy is performed in critically ill adults requiring prolonged invasive ventilation as a strategy to: — reduce respiratory tract injury — improve patient comfort, and/or — to facilitate weaning