Resection of the arch of cricoid cartilage and circumcision of the tracheal cartilage for subglottic stenosis

Subglottic stenosis is a disease that causes dyspnoea by congenital or acquired stenosis of the cricoid cartilage and trachea. The cause of acquired subglottic stenosis varies. In this case, we present a case of idiopathic subglottic stenosis. Tracheotomies are performed in many cases, but they require long-term insertion of a tracheal cannula and make treatment difficult. In this case study, we performed a tracheoplasty by resection of the arch of cricoid cartilage and circumcision of the tracheal cartilage and implemented a cannula-free observation protocol.

Weaning from mechanical ventilation with high flow oxygen therapy via tracheal cannula

Introduction: Application of oxygen at high flows via nasal cannula can be used in patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure and to prevent reintubation. It is well tolerated by the patients and has been associated with lower mortality. However, there is very little data on the use of oxygen at high flows connected to tracheal cannula (HFOTC). Case presentation: We present two patients in whom weaning from mechanical ventilation was difficult and we decided to use HFOTC for weaning. Weaning from mechanical ventilation with HFOTC was successful in both patients and they tolerated long term (4 and 2 days, respectively) ventilatory support with HFOTC without adverse effects. Conclusions: HFOTC might be used during weaning from mechanical ventilation, however, more data is needed to determine the optimal use of this treatment option.

The percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy in the intensive care unit - our experience

Percutaneous tracheostomy is a commonly carried out procedure in patients in the Intensive Care Unit. Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy consists of the introduction of a tracheal cannula from the front of the neck, through blunt dissection of the pretracheal tissues, using a guide by Seldinger technique. When percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy procedure was introduced in routine clinical practice in the Clinical Center of Vojvodina, procedural protocol was established. This Protocol includes: 1. indications, contraindications and timing for percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy, 2. assessment of the patient, 3. preparation of the patient and equipment, 4. procedure description, 5. potential complications and complication management. At our institution percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy is performed on an individual patient basis assessment within 5-7 days following translaryngeal intubation. Routinely the platelet count, activated prothrombin time and prothrombin time are checked. The patient?s neck is assessed clinicaly and by the use of fiberoptic bronchoscope and ultrasound. At our institution we use the modified Ciaglia technique of the percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy-Ciaglia Single Dilatator method with the TRACOE? experc Set vario which includes spiral rein?forced tracheal cannula. At the end of procedure fiberoptic evaluation of the tracheobroinchial tree is made and chest X-ray is done. Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy is a simple, safe, and effective procedure performed in the Intensive Care Unit. It is the preferred technique of airway management in the Intensive Care Units in the patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation, tracheobronchial hygiene and weaning from mechanical ventilation.

Swallowing disorders in tracheostomised patients: a multidisciplinary/multiprofessional approach in decannulation protocols

Safe removal of tracheal cannula is a major goal in the rehabilitation of tracheostomised patients to achieve progressive independence from mechanical support and reduce the risk of respiratory complications. A tracheal cannula may also cause significant discomfort to the patient, making verbal communication difficult. Particularly when cuffed, tracheal cannula reduces the normal movement of the larynx which can further compromise the basic swallowing defect. A close connection between respiratory, phonating, swallowing and feeding abilities to be recovered, implies a strict integration among different professionals of the rehabilitation team. An appropriate management of tracheostomy cannula is closely connected with assessment and treatment of swallowing disorders in order to limit the development of severe pulmonary and nutritional complications, but at present there are no uniform protocols in the scientific literature. Furthermore, several studies report as an essential criterion for decannulation the presence of good patient consciousness, which is often altered in patients with tracheostomy, but a general agreement is lacking.

Balloon Dilatation of Pediatric Subglottic Laryngeal Stenosis during the Artificial Apneic Pause: Experience in 5 Children

Introduction. Balloon dilatation is a method of choice for treatment of laryngeal stenosis in children. The aim of procedure in apneic pause is to avoid new insertion of tracheostomy cannula.Patients and Methods. The authors performed balloon dilatation of subglottic laryngeal strictures (SGS) in 5 children (3 girls and 2 boys) without tracheotomy. Two of them with traumatic and inflammatory SGS had a tracheal cannula removed in the past. The other 3 children with postintubation SGS had never had a tracheostomy before. The need for tracheostomy due to worsening stridor was imminent for all of them.Results. The total of seven laryngeal dilatations by balloon esophagoplasty catheter in apneic pause was performed in the 5 children. The procedure averted the need for tracheostomy placement in 4 of them (80%). Failure of dilatation in girl with traumatic stenosis and concomitant severe obstructive lung disease led to repeated tracheostomy.Conclusion. Balloon dilatation of laryngeal stricture could be done in the absence of tracheostomy in apneic pause. Dilatation averted threatening tracheostomy in all except one case. Early complication after the procedure seems to be a negative prognostic factor for the outcome of balloon dilatation.