Safety and feasibility of above cuff vocalisation for ventilator-dependant patients with tracheostomies

摘要

IntroductionTemporary tracheostomy is commonly used in patients admitted to intensive care units. Cuffed tubes prevent laryngeal airflow, preventing vocalisation. Sub-glottic suction tubes such as the ‘Blue Line Ultra Suctionaid™’ are used primarily to remove sub-glottic secretions, but retrograde gas flows via the suction port can facilitate above cuff vocalisation. The aims were to assess whether patients could achieve an audible voice using above cuff vocalisation, to demonstrate the safe use of the Blue Line Ultra Suctionaid™ tracheostomy tube for above cuff vocalisation, and to assess potential benefits of above cuff vocalisation for communication, secretion management and swallowing.