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. 2009 May-Jun;24(3):187-94.
doi: 10.1177/0885066609332701.

Decannulation following tracheostomy for prolonged mechanical ventilation

Heidi H O'Connor  1 , Kelly J Kirby, Norma Terrin, Nicholas S Hill, Alexander C White
Affiliations

Decannulation following tracheostomy for prolonged mechanical ventilation

Heidi H O'Connor et al. J Intensive Care Med. 2009 May-Jun.

Abstract

Background: We examined the process of decannulation following tracheostomy in patients transferred to a long-term acute care (LTAC) hospital for weaning from prolonged mechanical ventilation (PMV).

Methods: A retrospective chart review of 135 patients.

Results: Decannulation was successful in 35% of patients a median of 45 days (IQR, 32-76) following tracheostomy. Patients who failed decannulation had a tracheostomy tube placed earlier (14 days; IQR 11-18 vs. 18 days; IQR 14-30, P=.04) and had a shorter length of stay at the acute facility (20 days; IQR, 16-23 vs. 31 days; IQR 24-45, P=.003) compared with patients who were decannulated. Length of stay and cost of care at the LTAC did not differ with decannulation status. At 3.5 years, 35% (47/135) of all patients and 62% (29/47) of decannulated patients were alive.

Conclusions: Decannulation was achieved in 35% of patients transferred to an LTAC for weaning from prolonged mechanical ventilation.

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