Capping a cuffed tracheostomy tube

[摘要] In the article “Promoting Effective Communication for Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation” (June 2011:46–61), the authors did a nice job reviewing different communication options, but I need to correct one small but important issue regarding tracheostomies. The authors stated that it is permissible to cap a cuffed tracheostomy with a fully deflated cuff. I must clarify that the only cuffed tracheostomy tube that is safe to cap is one whose cuff lies tight against the shaft of the tube when deflated, essentially disappearing.1 The Bivona TTS2 and Arcadia CTS3 tubes are the only cuffed tubes that currently have this design. They are low-volume, high-pressure cuffs, in contrast to the usual high-volume, low-pressure cuffs that are inherent to all other cuffed tubes.

[学科分类] 护理学

[关键词] Campylobacter;proljev;dob