Use of TrachPhone in Tracheostomized Patients

Safety, Feasibility, and Impact on Pulmonary Secretion Management Comparing the Use of TrachPhone and External Humidifier After Tracheostomy

The use of Heat and Moisture Exchangers (HMEs) and their positive impact on pulmonary health have been extensively studied in patients with head and neck cancer but have not been systematically explored in other patient populations breathing through a neck stoma.

The objective of this clinical investigation is to compare the use of HMEs to the use of External Humidifiers (EHs) on pulmonary secretion management, their usability and safety, for humidifying inhaled air in patients that received a tracheostomy due to a neurological condition.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Tracheostomy patient outside critical care
• Self-ventilating via a tracheostomy tube, independent of cuff status
• 18 years or older

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with tidal volume beyond recommended range (50-1000 ml)
• Dehydration
• Very heavy/excessive secretion from the lungs and airways (requiring more frequently tracheal suction, more than hourly suctioning)
• High oxygen need (FiO2 > 0.4)
• Acutely deteriorating patient