The goal of this analytical experimental study is to evaluate whether high-flow tracheal oxygen therapy at flow rates above 60 L/min increases end-expiratory lung impedance in tracheostomized patients in the intensive care unit. The main question it aims to answer is whether high-flow tracheal oxygen therapy improves end-expiratory lung impedance in tracheostomized patients.

This study will be conducted in the Intensive Care Unit of Sanatorio Parque in Rosario, Santa Fe, Argentina, between December 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. The participant population consists of adult ICU patients (≥18 years old) who are tracheostomized, have undergone at least 10 days of mechanical ventilation, and can tolerate spontaneous breathing for at least 12 hours.

By analyzing the effects of high-flow tracheal oxygen therapy on lung function, this study aims to generate valuable insights into its physiological impact, potentially influencing clinical management strategies for tracheostomized patients in intensive care settings.

Inclusion Criteria:

• signed informed consent; ability to tolerate spontaneous breathing for at least 12 hours; arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) ≥ 60 mm hg or pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2) > 90%; corrected metabolic disorders ph ≥ 7.32; hemodynamically stable.

Exclusion Criteria:

• neuromuscular or neurodegenerative pathology; contraindication for the use of Electrical Impedance Tomography, RASS > +1.