Originally published on November 30, 2011 There is very little research regarding when it is safe to do the first tracheostomy tube change. Commonly, the first tube change is done between post-op day 7-14. A study was just published in Critical Care Medicine and showed that it is safe to do the first tracheostomy
Originally published on October 31, 2010 B.W. asks, "What does it mean if I start to have trouble passing the suction catheter?" Answer: Meeting resistance upon passage of a suction catheter usually means one of two things: either the inner lining of the tracheostomy tube is becoming coated with secretions, or the tracheostomy tube has
Originally published on January 1, 2011 T.C. asks, "How do wounds around the stoma occur; and when they do, how should they be treated?" Answer: Stomal erosion occurs as a result of either inward or outward traction against the tracheostomy tube. Outward traction is exacerbated with the use of added weight within the ventilator circuit,
Originally published on March 14, 2011 Family member D.S. asks, "Medicare only supplies one cleaning kit per day, and we were told to clean the trach 2-3 times per day. Is it OK to reuse the cleaning tray and supplies?" Answer: It is very important to clean the trach no less than twice per day while
Dr. C.R. asks, "What kind of home supplies do my tracheostomy patients need?" Answer: Patients need many supplies to manage their tracheostomy. They need plenty of suction catheters, suction machine, tubing, inner cannulas (if disposable), tracheostomy cleaning kits, trach holders, and an extra trach of the same size, and one size smaller. It is essential
Originally published on November 25, 2011 R.H. asks, "We have a tracheostomy patient who is being airlifted to a different facility in another state. Should we have any concerns with air transport?" Answer: The biggest concerns with transport of any kind is dislodgement. So the usual precautions for ensuring tube security should be in place. These include ensuring