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. 2014;21(4):309-318.

Optimizing Communication in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Vinciya Pandian  1 , Christine P Smith  2 , Therese Kling Cole  2 , Nasir I Bhatti  3 , Marek A Mirski  4 , Lonny B Yarmus  5 , David J Feller-Kopman  5
Affiliations

Optimizing Communication in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

Vinciya Pandian et al. J Med Speech Lang Pathol. 2014.

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the types of talking tracheostomy tubes available, present four case studies of critically ill patients who used a specialized tracheostomy tube to improve speech, discuss their advantages and disadvantages, propose patient selection criteria, and provide practical recommendations for medical care providers.

Methods: Retrospective chart review of patients who underwent tracheostomy in 2010.

Results: Of the 220 patients who received a tracheostomy in 2010, 164 (74.55%) received a percutaneous tracheostomy and 56 (25.45%) received an open tracheostomy. Among the percutaneous tracheostomy patients, speech-language pathologists were consulted on 113 patients, 74 of whom were on a ventilator. Four of these 74 patients received a talking tracheostomy tube, and all four were able to speak successfully while on the mechanical ventilator even though they were unable to tolerate cuff deflation.

Conclusions: Talking tracheostomy tubes allow patients who are unable to tolerate-cuff deflation to achieve phonation. Our experience with talking tracheostomy tubes suggests that clinicians should consider their use for patients who cannot tolerate cuff deflation.

Keywords: and quality of life; communication; mechanically ventilation; speech; talking tracheostomy tube.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Portex® Blue Line Ultra® Suctionaid (BLUSA) tracheostomy tube.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Tracheostomy statistics.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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