1. Tracheostomy Care
Adapted from various resources (see reference slide) by Ambercare Education Department
April 14, 2014

2. Tracheostomy Facts
Tracheotomy is a surgical procedure that creates an opening in the cervical trachea (windpipe) allowing direct access to the breathing tube – rarely done as an emergency – secondary to oral or nasal intubation which is must faster and less complicated when managing respiratory arrest
The term “tracheotomy” refers to the incision (otomy = opening) to provide an airway and allow for removal of secretions from lungs. Breathing is accomplished through the tracheostomy rather than through the nose and mouth. A tracheostomy can either be temporary or permanent..

3. Why is a Tracheostomy performed?
To bypass obstruction
To maintain an open airway
To remove secretions more easily
To oxygenate and/or provide mechanical ventilation on a long-term basis

4. Types of patients requiring tracheostomies
A comatose patient
A patient with cancer of the larynx or neck
Blockage of airway
Inability to swallow or cough
A burn patient with inhalation damage
A COPD patient on mechanical ventilation
A pediatric patient with a congenital airway obstruction
ALS patients
Plegic patients
To name a few….

5. Tracheostomy Anatomy
The tracheostomy can be performed in the OR or at bedside under moderate sedation. The tracheostomy is usually formed between the second and third or third and fourth tracheal cartilages.
Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PCT or PDT) is done at the patient’s bedside, usually in the ICU setting. The procedure generally takes 15 minutes or less…bedside procedure (1/4 of patients) are contraindicated in a quarter of the patients – mostly due to anatomical irregularities or coagulation problems. We will watch a graphic video of this procedure….

6. Tracheostomy Anatomy

7. Landmarks
(very graphic)

8. Definition of Terms Decannulation: Removal of a tracheostomy tube
HME: Heat, moisture exchange (have pictorial)
Humidification: the mechanical process of increasing the water vapor content of an inspired gas
Stoma: a permanent opening between the surface of the body and an underlying organ (trachea and anterior surface of neck)
Tracheal suctioning: a means to clear the airway of secretions or mucus through the application of a negative pressure via a suction catheter

9. Temporary Tracheostomy versus Permanent Laryngectomy
Appearance may be the same
Temporary: THE UPPER AIRWAY WILL REMAIN PATENT IF THE TRACH TUBE WERE TO BE DISLODGED
Permanent: THE LARYNX IS REMOVED AND AN ARTIFICAL TRACHEOSTOMY IS CREATED – NO CONNECTION BETWEEN THE PATIENT’S UPPER AIRWAY AND THE TRACHEA ITSELF!

10. Risks / PCs Medication reaction Uncontrollable bleeding
Respiratory problems
Possibility of cardiac arrest
Pneumothorax
SC and/or mediastinal emphysema
Tracheo-oesophageal fistula (development of a small connection between trachea and esophagus)
Infection
Post procedural trach care:
The first days following tracheostomy are especially uncomfortable for the patient. Namely – adjusting to the trauma of surgery, pain of a fresh incision, presence of a foreign object in the trachea, and the inability to communicate through speech.
Patients commonly report choking sensations – generally takes one to three days to adapt to breathing through a trach tube

11. Potential Complications with Long-term Tracheostomy:
Thinning (erosion) of the trachea (trachemalacia)
Development of granulation of tissue (bump formation in trachea
Narrowing or collapse of the airway above the site of tracheostomy
Once tracheostomy tube is removed, the opening may not close on its own
Dysphagia; airway obstruction from secretions;
Tracheal ischemia and necrosis
Higher risk for PCs exist for the following patient population: children (newborns, infants); smokers; ETOH abusers; DM; immunocompromised patients; persons with chronic disease or respiratory infections; persons taking steroids or cortisone

12. Assessment / SE after tracheostomy placement
Respiratory secretions will often temporarily increase
Observe for s/sx of impaired gas exchange (mucus plugs for example) – encourage patient to breathe deep and cough – ensure adequate humidification and NS fluid bullets to loosen secretions if needed (suctioning)
A small amount of bleeding from the stoma is expected for a few days after trach placement – constant oozing, is abnormal – may need intervention ( a blood vessels may need surgical litigation)
Slight inflammation at site (redness, pain, drainage for the first few days)

13. Continued Assessment/SE after tracheostomy placement
Subcutaneous emphysema (SCE) around stoma – air escapes into the tracheostomy incision creating SCE; generally of no clinical consequence – but can be palpated around the stoma site
Excessive manipulation of the trach tube during coughing or suctioning can break improperly secured ties and dislodge the tube – (within the first 48 hours the freshly created stoma has a potential to close shut, constituting a medical emergency) – to minimize this risk, trach ties are not usually changed for 24 hours –
First tube change is generally done by a physician after approximately one week (should have detailed Dr’s orders to always have a spare trach tube on hand – size should be indicated

14. Endotracheal Tube Verses Tracheostomy Tube
A variety of tracheostomy tubes are available, depending on the patient’s specific needs. Tracheostomy tubes vary in size, composition, number of parts, and shape. Trach tubes may be made of metal, PVC material, or silicone and will differ accordingly in the degree of flexibility they provide. They are either disposable or reusable.

15. Cuffed Tracheostomy Tube
Consists of three parts:
Outer cannula with an inflatable cuff and pilot tube
An inner cannula
An obturator
Cuff trach tubes are generally used for patients who have swallowing difficulties or who are receiving mechanical ventilation.
Disposable and reusable trach tubes are both available – and can be custom made if needed.
The outer cannula has an inflated cuff that keeps the airway open. When inflated, this tube seals the airway and prevents aspiration of oral or gastric secretions. The cuff directs air through but not around the tube. It is commonly used when mechanical ventilation is required, to provide a closed airway system.
The inner cannula of the cuffed tube has a universal adaptor to use with a ventilator and other respiratory equipment. The inner cannulas can be removed, cleaned, and reinserted, unless it is disposable. The inner cannula fits inside the outer cannula. It has a lock to keep it from being coughed out, and is easy to remove for cleaning.
The obturator has a rounded tip for smoothly inserting the outer tube and avoiding trauma to the tracheal wall. It is important to keep the obturator near the beside in case of an emergency. It is used to insert the tracheostomy tube.
The cuffed tube with disposable inner cannula is used to obtain a closed circuit for ventilation; cuff should be inflated when using with ventilator – just enough to allow for minimal airleak; should be deflated when/if a patient uses a speaking valve; cuff pressure needs to be checked twice daily; inner cannula is disposable. The same aforementioned items pertain to a cuffed tube with reusable inner cannula with the exception that the inner cannula is NOT disposable – it can be reused when cleaned properly and thoroughly.

16. Cuffless tubes Rarely used in acute care settings
More suitable for long term ventilation
Cuffless tube is usually double-lumen – patient must have effective cough and gag reflex to prevent aspiration risk
Non-cuffed or (cuffless) trach tubes are used to maintain a patient’s airway when a ventilator is not needed.
Also used for patients who are ready for decannulation. Patient may be able to eat and may be able to talk without a speaking valve.

17. Fenestrated Tube
Have an opening on the posterior wall of outer cannula – allows for air flow through the upper airway and trach opening;
Allows patient to speak and produce a more productive cough
Often used during weaning process
Used for ventilated patients who are not able to tolerate the speaking valve; there is a high risk for granuloma formation at the site of the fenestration (hole). There is a higher risk for aspiration of secretions; it may be difficult to ventilate the patient adequately

18. Identifying Tracheostomy Parts
All trach tubes have an outer cannula (main shaft) and a neck plate (flange). The flange rests on the neck over the stoma (opening). Holes on each side of the neck plate (flange) allows for securement of trach tube in place via tube ties.

19. Identifying Trach Parts
Review each part….

20. Identifying Trach Parts

21. Communication and Tracheostomies
Some trach tubes are designed to allow patients to speak
Patients being weaned off trach tubes may have either a cuffless, fenestrated tube or a trach button that does not extend into the trachea enough to restrict airflow past the larynx

22. For long-term Trach patients
Speaking is possible with these options:
A fenestrated inner cannula inside a cuffed outer cannula – allows for speech when cuff is deflated (some tubes expand on inspiration and deflate on expiration versus manually deflated cuffs)
A tracheostomy speaking valve is a device that attaches to the trach tube – it contains a diaphragm that opens on inspiration and closes on expiration so that air is exhaled through the vocal cords and upper airway – the cuff must be COMPLETELY deflated during speaking valve to allow for exhalation through the upper airway
A speaking trach tube forces air or oxygen from an outside source to flow across the vocal cords, independent of the airflow within a closed system created by a cuffed trach tube. The patient has control over this air line with a thumb port.

23. Tracheostomy Care Kit

24. Trach Care Kit / Portable Suction Machine

25. Trach Care Kit

26. Thermo Trach
Heat and moisture exchanger (HME) for spontaneous breathing patients

27. Tracheostomy Collar connected to ventilator – notice sutures

28. Nursing Care

29. Nursing Care
Must conduct a thorough assessment of patient at the start of visit
Observe for signs of hypoxia, infection, excessive secretions, pain, etc.
Examine trach tube, any attached tubing and equipment, as well as stoma site
Observe for redness, purulent drainage, and abnormal bleeding around the stoma – note the amount, color, consistency, and odor of secretions
Auscultate breath sounds
Ensure that appropriate emergency trach supplies and CPR equipment is at bedside
Be aware of when and why the trach was inserted , how it was performed, the type and size of tube inserted
Please note: When a trach is inserted, the natural warming, humidification and filtering of inhaled air (from nares / mouth) is lost. Therefor it is essential to provide an alternate form of humidification. Many forms exist – see next slide…

30. Tracheostomy Humidification
As mentioned previously, the nose and mouth provide warmth, moisture and filtration for the air we breath. Having a tracheostomy tube, however, by-passes these mechanisms so humidification must be provided to keep secretions thin and to avoid mucus plugs

31. Types of tracheostomy humidification systems
Heated humidification (increased heat and water vapor inhaled) –
Ambient or cold water humidification
Heat and moisture exchangers
Stoma protectors
Heat moisture exchanger (attached to the outside of a trach tube for long-term trach patients) – looks like a t-tube attachment

32. Humidification examples
Heat moisture exchanger

33. Nursing Care: Mobilizing Secretions
Many trach patients have acute or chronic disease that predispose to stagnation of secretions
Frequent repositioning, deep breathing and coughing, chest physiotherapy, postural drainage, oral and parenteral hydration and supplemental humidification all help to thin and mobilize secretions
Tubing from an external moisture source accumulates moisture and will need frequent draining – ensure the tubing is positioned LOWER than the patient to avoid aspiration risk!

34. Nursing Care - Suctioning
Necessary for all trach patients to remove secretions and assess for airway patency
Acute care patients need to be assessed every two hours (teach family members)…
Routinely done 2x / day, but more often if needed – particularly a newly placed tracheostomy or when there is infection present
Suctioning activates psychological and physiological reflexes that make the experience both uncomfortable and frightening
PC’s – severe hypoxia, cardiac arrhythmias, and even cardiac arrest when the airway is occluded by the catheter and air is simultaneously sucked out the lungs

36. Indications for Suctioning
Dyspnea: Flared nostrils, chest retractions and/or prolonged wheezing
Noisy breathing
Cyanosis and clammy skin
Restlessness and agitation
Copious secretions; moist cough
Low oxygen saturation
Increased peak inspiratory pressure on mechanical ventilator

37. U tube video on suctioning
(copy and paste URL);
15 minute video on suctioning tracheostomy – excellent example….worth the time to view – particularly those staff members who are not well versed on tracheostomy care
U tube author: Cathy Leary: Time: 15:54

38. Selecting a suction catheter
Selection of the appropriate size suction catheter is vital in reducing the risk of trauma during suctioning
Divide the internal diameter of the tracheostomy by two, and multiply the answer by three to obtain the French gauge suction catheter:
Size 8 tracheostomy tube (patient); (8mm/2) x 3 = 12; therefore, a size 12F gauge catheter is suitable for suctioning

39. Gathering equipment for suctioning – open system
PPE – (mask, goggles, gloves)
Bottle of normal saline
Appropriately sized suction catheter
Trach care kit
Disposable inner cannula
02 source – connected to patient (suction equipment) regulator set at mmHg
Ambu bag to ventilate patient prior to suctioning if appropriate
I RECOMMEND YOU VIEW THE U TUBE VIDEO TO UNDERSTAND APPROPRIATE SUCTIONING TECHNIQUE AND HOW TO UTILIZE THE EQUIPMENT ABOVE….
Closed system suctioning (see next slide pictorial) would be termed as: an enclosed suctioning system (ballard suctioning for example) – the suctioning mechanism is part of the ballard system (inside a plastic sleeve) – everything is attached – you would just hyper oxygenate the patient – insert bullet of saline if needed to loosen secretions, and then insert ballard into trach until you meet resistance; you would slowly come back with catheter while holding the suction button to remove secretions

40. Closing suctioning system – ballard suctioning

41. Procedure for suctioning
Place patient in semi-fowler’s position
Select appropriate sized suction catheter
Hyper oxygenate BEFORE each suction pass (exceptions to hyper oxygenation are children and patients with long-term tracheostomies)
Insert catheter to a pre-measured depth or (to point of resistance if deep suctioning)
Apply suction on withdrawal while slowly removing suction catheter
Limit suctioning to 5 seconds for pre-measured depth and seconds for deep suctioning
Use suction pressure between 80 – 120 mmHg
Limit suctioning to 3 passes and discontinue if HR drops by 20; increases by 40, produces arrhythmias, or decreases 02 < 90%
It’s important to note: suction mouth AFTER trach suctioning to remove secretions ABOVE CUFF. DO NOT CONTAMINATE the trach be going from mouth back to trach
Reassess the patient’s condition after suctioning and recommence oxygen therapy as soon as possible, ideally within 10 seconds of completing suctioning.

42. Tracheostomy Ties
To lower the risk of a new trach tube accidentally dislodging, ties are usually not changed within the first 24 HOURS FOLLOWING INSERTION; thereafter, ties are generally changed daily
To lower the risk of accidental decannulation (the trach tube coming out) the tie changes should be performed by two people or with new ties secured BEFORE old ties are removed.
Various ties are available on the market today such as velcro tape and twill tape. Maintain two finger breaths between patient neck and ties for ease and comfort….

43. Maintenance of the inner cannula
The majority of trach tubes have inner cannulas that require cleaning one to three times daily unless they are disposable
Use sterile technique to clean the reusable cannula with ½ strength hydrogen peroxide and normal saline or just NS
Reinsert and lock back into place within a 15 minute time frame

44. Trach parts…
Trach parts – inner cannula example

45. Nursing Care – Trach cuff pressure
Cuff pressure (balloon) should be maintained between 20 to 20 mmHg of pressure via a manometer – should be assessed daily;
if you don’t have a manometer measuring device – check with the patient/family – to evaluate how many cc’s of cuff pressure they have been utilizing (generally 5-8 cc) depending on trach size
With a stethoscope placed on the neck, inflate the cuff until you no longer hear hissing; deflate the cuff in tiny increments until a slight his returns….

46. Deflating and inflating the cuff is a way to:
Assess and evaluate how the cuff is working
Periodically relieve pressure on the trachea
Let secretions above the cuff drain down so you can suction them

47. Nursing Care: Changing the Trach tube
Trach tubes, (both single cannula type and the outer cannula of a universal type) are changed one to four weeks (check physicians order – consult if needed)
Silicon tubes can crack and tear; soft PVC tubes can stiffen with age and metal tubes can develop cracks
When a patient has had a tracheostomy for several months, the stoma is well formed and tube changes can be done safely on a monthly basis using a clean technique; the initial tube change is usually performed by MD
Important: make sure your patient HAS NOT eaten or receiving tube feeding for at least ONE hour prior to trach tube change! For cuffed tubes, test the cuff by inflating and deflating before inserting it! Always use the trach obturator for a smooth guide to insertion!

48. Nursing care: Trach Site care and Dressing changes
Assess the stoma for s/sx of infection and skin breakdown
Clean stoma with Q-tip moistened with NS; avoid using hydrogen peroxide unless infection present (as it can impair healing) –
Dressings around the stoma are changed when excessive exudate is present – keep CDI
Please refer to the following U tube video entitled “home trach care” = 5.08 (time)
copy and paste URL to view…..

49. Nursing Care: Nutrition and Communication
A tracheostomy WILL NOT prevent a patient from eating – although some patients may have concurrent swallowing problems that may need evaluation by an otolaryngologist or speech pathologist
Patients may have poor appetite because of disease progression or reaction to copious secretions; suctioning PRIOR to meals is helpful
Inability to speak is anxiety-provoking for most patients – you will need to evaluate alternative methods of communication for your patient until long-term speaking solutions are initiated
Patients require an extra measure of sensitivity the first few days post-trach – be sensitive to the fact that they are adjusting and coping with choking sensations and pain issues

50. Possible Trach Complications
Can arise the first few days or within several weeks; initially, the most common complications are:
Inflammation and edema of the trachea
Infection and abscess of stoma and/or pulmonary tree
Bleeding associated with suctioning
If humidity is insufficient, mucous membranes dry out and the irritation of an inserted catheter will cause small amounts of bleeding during routine suctioning
Long-term complications from the presence of a trach are due to tracheal scarring and erosion
Stenosis, the narrowing of the trachea from scar tissue occurs in 5 to 15% of patients
Scarring can occur at the stoma, the cuff site, or at the point where the distal end of the tube presses on the tracheal wall – possible granuloma….
Stenosis: fairly common complication of trach patients, but are not usually significant enough for surgical intervention unless it narrows the airway by more than 50%
Ulceration and scarring: may occur with prolonged exposure to a trach tube; treatment may be: serial dilation; endoscopic excision; anterior cricoid split or laryngotracheoplasty (balloon open)
Fistula formation: may take months to develop. The constant pressure from a poorly fitted trach tube, excessive cuff volume, and/or nasogastric feeding tube all contribute to tissue necrosis. A fistula can develop between the trachea and the esophagus or can grow into the wall containing a major artery
Aspiration of gastric contents: is the consequence for one path of erosion; hemorrhage results from the other. If your patient is coughing and choking during meals, and trach cuff inflation requires increasing amounts of air, your patient may have a tracheal-esophageal fistula. A patient with a fistula should be NPO and evaluated for surgery
Decannulation: trach tubes are discontinued surgically or through a transition process of intermittent trials; the trach tube is capped or plugged for lengthening periods of time until the patient can tolerate if for 24 hours; during these times, patient should be closely observed for respiratory distress; systematic downsizing of tube may also be used for the weaning process; always assess your patient’s risk for aspiration BEFORE removing tube; patient should be NPO at least 4 hours prior to removal; once tube is removed, an occlusive dressing should be placed over the remaining stoma to form a seal so that patient can breath normally through the mouth and nose; once removed, the stoma normally closes by itself, if not, minor surgery will be done to close it; patient should be inserted to apply gentle pressure over the stoma dressing when coughing or speaking to aid in the stoma closure; dressings need to be CDI.

51. Home Trach Care
Patient and family education normally starts in hospital setting
Initial care may consist of:
Warm compress to the incision site to help relieve discomfort
Humidified air
Wearing a scarf over trach opening to keep dry and clean
Follow up with Dr. for any concerns or changes

52. GREAT RESOURCE TEACHING SITE:
Patient Instructions
Trach patient’s avoid:
Deep bathing water
Fine particles such as powders, chalk, sand, dust, mold and smoke
Loose fibers and fair found on fuzzy toys and pets
Persons with contagious illnesses
Cold air and wind
Portable suction equipment is available for travel and should be tested PRIOR to use
GREAT RESOURCE TEACHING SITE:

53. FAQs Can a patient eat with a Tracheostomy:
Yes…generally speaking (patient may need an evaluation by a speech pathologist to determine swallowing ability)
The primary exception is if the patient wears a tracheostomy speaking valve (Passy Muir Valve) and needs one type of inner cannula when the speaking valve is in place
Swallowing is safer with the cuff down and speaking valve on
If the patient eats by mouth, it is recommended that the tracheostomy tube be suctioned prior to eating. This often prevents the need for suctioning during or after meals, which may stimulate excessive coughing and could result in vomiting.
Encouraging fluid intake is helpful for a patient with a tracheostomy. Increased fluid intake will thin and loosen secretions making coughing and suctioning easier.
Always observe the patient while eating to be sure food does not get into the trach.
Interesting to note: the trachea and esophagus share a common wall – the back wall of the trachea is the front wall of the esophagus

54. FAQs Why can’t we use the Passey Muir valve with the cuff inflated?
The speaking valve is a one-way airflow mechanism. The patient inhales air through the speaking valve but exhales it around the tracheostomy tube and then through the nose or mouth. If the cuff is inflated with a speaking valve, the patient will only be able to inhale air and will not be able to exhale since there will not be any room around the tracheostomy

55. FAQs How often should a tracheostomy tube be changed?
Every seven days to remove the dried or old secretions and maintain adequate hygiene of the trach tube and airway

56. FAQs What is the tracheostomy plug? Used for two purposes:
Decannulation of the tracheostomy tube
Used to plug trach tube for 12 hours the first day and 24 hours the second day – if the patient tolerates plugging, then decannulation can take place
It can be used for speech, but not as a speaking valve
A speaking valve is a one-way valve unlike a trach plug which completely obstructs the air flow
Decannulation criteria:
Patient A&O x 3
No longer dependent on ventilator
Patient can manage their own oral secretions without r/o aspiration
Should NOT require frequent suctioning for tracheal secretions
Patient should have their tracheostomy tube downsized without difficult breathing (size 4 or similar)
Plugged as noted above
Lay patient supine (flat) on bed; tube is removed and the stoma is covered with sterile gauze and taped; instruct patient to occlude the gauze with their finger tip every time they cough or speak so air doesn’t leak; change the dressing at least once daily (or more often as needed) until stoma closes off (few days to weeks). 10% of patients need the stoma surgically closed

57. FAQs Why do you need the inner cannula with a tracheostomy:
Easier to remove inner cannula for cleaning and to maintain hygiene of the airway
If patient develops a mucus plug, the inner cannula can be removed for cleaning or a replaced with a disposable one - the outer cannula would serve as the airway
Changing the entire outer cannula is more difficult than managing the airway with an inner cannula

58. Questions?

59. References AMN healthcare education services (rn.com)
Various U tube videos as noted