Swallowing
Normal swallowing requires: timing and coordination of many muscles and several cranial nerves which are under voluntary and involuntary nervous control.
Category Airway
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
Fenestrated Tracheostomy Tube
fenestrated tracheostomy tube. allows patient to breath normally with a tracheostomy in situ. patient can cough and speak through mouth. improves swallow function. acts a step prior to decannulation
Tracheostomy ready for decannulation
Is this tracheostomy patient ready for decannulation? Hot Case
Weaning from Mechanical Ventilation
Ventilator management should be aimed at getting the patient off ventilator support as rapidly as possible. Weaning can be considered once the underlying process necessitating mechanical ventilation is resolving
Percutaneous Tracheostomy
Tracheostomy is an airway that is inserted subglottically through neck tissues directly into the trachea. Surgical Tracheostomy involves dissection and incision of trachea under direct vision.