Critical Care Scenarios

Episode 85: Tracheostomy basics with Vinciya Pandian

9 snips
Feb 5, 2025
Vinciya Pandian, an Associate Dean at Penn State and a seasoned tracheostomy nurse practitioner, shares her wealth of knowledge. She discusses the critical factors in evaluating tracheostomy candidates, including medical history and physical assessments. Pandian highlights the importance of pre-procedural communication with patients and families to ensure informed consent. The conversation dives into various techniques for tracheostomy placement and the management of potential complications, offering listeners invaluable insights into best practices in critical care.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Personal Tracheostomy Experience

  • Vinciya's newborn son was mechanically ventilated, facing potential tracheostomy.
  • He recovered without needing one, changing her perspective on tracheostomies and end-of-life care.
ADVICE

Choosing a Tracheostomy Service

  • Base tracheostomy placement decisions on institutional practices and the patient's specific needs.
  • Consider the ICU's specialty and the expertise of available surgical services.
ADVICE

Pre-Tracheostomy Evaluation

  • Evaluate patient history for previous tracheostomies, cervical surgeries, intubation difficulties, and airway obstructions.
  • Look for any pre-existing conditions affecting neck flexion or intubation.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app