Critical Matters Tracheostomy Emergencies
Aug 8, 2024
Laura Bontempo, an associate professor at the University of Maryland, and Sara Manning, an Indiana University assistant professor, dive into the intricate world of tracheostomy emergencies. They discuss the prevalence of complications like obstruction and hemorrhage, stressing the urgency for effective management. Key techniques, including the use of inflatable balloons for bleeding, are shared, along with the overarching themes of empathy and collaboration in emergency care. The conversation also touches on the emotional impact of literature in shaping healthcare perspectives.
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Incidence of Trach Complications
- About 40% of tracheostomy patients eventually have complications, but only about 1% experience major, life-threatening ones.
- Major complications cause thousands of deaths annually, though the overall incidence is low.
Manage Trach Decannulation by Timing
- If a tracheostomy tube is displaced more than seven days after insertion, replace it quickly to prevent the stoma from closing.
- For trachs newer than 7 days, use fiber optic guidance to avoid creating a false passage when reinserting.
Simple Steps for Trach Obstruction
- For obstruction, first remove the inner cannula if present to relieve blockage quickly.
- If obstruction persists and the tracheostomy is over 7 days old, remove and replace the tube to restore airway patency.
