Hyoid Bone and Laryngeal Movement Dependent Upon Presence of a Tracheotomy Tube

The aim of this prospective, consecutive study was to investigate the biomechanical effects, if any, of the presence of a tracheotomy tube and tube cuff status, tube capping status, and aspiration status on movement of the hyoid bone and larynx during normal swallowing. Seven adult patients (5 male, 2 female) with an age range of 46–82 years (mean = 63 years) participated. Criteria for inclusion were no history of cancer of or surgery to the head and neck (except tracheotomy), normal cognition, normal swallowing, and ability to tolerate decannulation. Digital videofluoroscopic swallowing studies were performed at 30 frames/s and with each patient seated upright in the lateral plane. Variables evaluated included maximum hyoid bone displacement and larynx-to-hyoid bone approximation under three randomized conditions: tracheotomy tube in and open with a 5-cc air-inflated cuff; tracheotomy tube in and capped with deflated cuff; and tracheotomy tube out (decannulated). Differences between maximum hyoid bone displacement and larynx-to-hyoid approximation (cm) based on presence/absence of a tracheotomy tube, tube cuff status, and tube capping status were analyzed with the Student’s t test. Reliability testing with a Pearson product moment correlation was performed on 21% of the data. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were found for both maximum hyoid bone displacement and larynx-to-hyoid bone approximation during normal swallowing based on tracheotomy tube presence, tube cuff status, or tube capping status. Intraobserver reliability for combined measurements of maximum hyoid displacement and larynx-to-hyoid approximation was r = 0.97 and interobserver reliability for the absence of aspiration was 100%. For the first time with objective data it was shown that the presence of a tracheotomy tube did not significantly alter two important components of normal pharyngeal swallow biomechanics, i.e., hyoid bone movement and laryngeal excursion. The hypothesis that a tracheotomy tube tethers the larynx thereby preventing hyoid bone and laryngeal movement during normal swallowing is not supported.     

Effect of occlusion of a tracheotomy tube on aspiration

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of occlusion of a tracheotomy tube on aspiration utilizing fluoroscopy. Twenty consecutive tracheotomized patients referred for a modified barium swallow were included. Selection criteria were ability to tolerate tracheotomy tube occlusion during the modified barium swallow procedure, no surgery of the upper aerodigestive tract except tracheotomy, and no history of oropharyngeal cancer or stroke. These was 100% agreement among 3 independent reviewers on ratings of the presence or absence of aspiration. It was found that the occlusion status of the tracheotomy tube did not influence the prevalence of aspiration. Nine of 10 (90%) subjects who exhibited aspiration were over 65 years of age ( X=72 years 2 months). No trends were observed for bolus consistency, type of tracheotomy tube, or presence/absence of a nasogastric tube and ratings of aspiration.     

Effects of the Removal of the Tracheotomy Tube on Swallowing During the Fiberoptic Endoscopic Exam of the Swallow (FEES)

This study investigated the effects, if any, that the presence of a tracheotomy tube has on the incidence of laryngeal penetration and aspiration in patients with a known or suspected dysphagia. This was a prospective, repeated-measure design study. A total of 37 consecutive patients with a tracheotomy tube underwent a fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Patients were first provided with pureed food boluses with the tracheotomy tube in place. The tracheotomy tube was then removed and the tracheostoma site was covered with gauze and gentle hand pressure was applied. The patients were then evaluated without the tracheotomy tube in place with additional puree. Aspiration status was in agreement with and without the tracheotomy tube in place in 95% (35/37) of the patients. The two patients who demonstrated a different swallowing pattern with regard to aspiration demonstrated aspiration only when the tracheotomy tube was removed. Laryngeal penetration status was in agreement with and without the tracheotomy tube in place in 78% (29/37) of the patients. For the majority of the patients, the removal of the tracheotomy tube made no difference in the incidence of aspiration and/or laryngeal penetration. Results of this study do not support the clinical notion that the patient’s swallowing function will improve once the tracheotomy tube has been removed. Work for this project was completed at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, Wheaton, Illinois.     

Tracheotomy Tube Occlusion Status and Aspiration in Early Postsurgical Head and Neck Cancer Patients

The purpose of the present study was to investigate tracheotomy tube occlusion status and prevalence of aspiration utilizing videofluoroscopy. A prospective study was done of 16 consecutive, early, postsurgical head and neck cancer patients with tracheotomy. Selection criteria included the ability to tolerate tracheotomy tube occlusion prior to and during the modified barium swallow procedure, oral and/or pharyngeal surgical resection, no history of neurological disease or stroke, and medical clearance to begin oral feeding. There was 100% agreement among the independent reviewers on ratings of the presence or absence of aspiration. It was found that occlusion status of the tracheotomy tube did not influence the prevalence of aspiration in the immediate postoperative period. No trends were observed when comparing bolus consistency, type of tracheotomy tube, or presence/absence of a nasogastric tube and the ratings of aspiration.     

Tracheostomy management in the chronically ventilated patient

Tracheotomy is a fundamentally important technique for managing patients who require long-term mechanical ventilation. Appropriate application of tracheotomy requires a skilled approach for timing the procedure, selecting the appropriate tracheostomy tube appliance, caring for the artificial airway once it is in place, and assisting patients with their specialized needs, such as articulated speech, airway humidification, and oral nutrition. Preparing patients for airway decannulation after they have weaned from mechanical ventilation requires a similar level of skill and attention to detail.     

Effect of a One-Way Tracheotomy Speaking Valve on the Incidence of Aspiration in Previously Aspirating Patients with Tracheotomy

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the incidence of aspiration in previously aspirating patients with tracheotomy after use of a one-way tracheotomy tube speaking valve. Twenty consecutive inpatients from the acute care setting of a large urban tertiary care teaching hospital were included. All subjects had objective documentation of aspiration by a fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing prior to placement of a one-way tracheotomy speaking valve, from 2 to 7 days of valve use with intelligible speech production, and no surgery to the upper aerodigestive tract except tracheotomy. Results indicated that incidence of aspiration was not affected by use of a one-way tracheotomy speaking valve. These results are in agreement with previous observations that subjects either aspirated or swallowed successfully regardless of tracheotomy tube occlusion status. Also, no significant differences were found between aspiration status and time since tracheotomy, time off ventilator, or duration of valve use. It was concluded that use of a one-way speaking valve provided mostly nondeglutitive benefits and should not be considered to promote successful swallowing for patients with tracheotomy in the acute care setting.     

Effects of respiratory training on ventilation potential and extubation time in patients with tracheotomy: A protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis

Background:In the early treatment of critical patients, tracheotomy is often performed to improve ventilation. Clinical practices usually start respiratory training after the artificial airway is removed. It is still controversial whether respiratory training during tube occlusion has effects on patients’ ventilation potential and tube occlusion time. Therefore, this study used Meta-analysis to evaluate the effects of respiratory training on patients’ ventilation potential and tube occlusion time during tracheotomy in patients with tube occlusion, so as to provide evidence for rehabilitation treatment.Methods:Wanfang, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Chongqing VIP Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database, PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science were searched through the computer and the randomized controlled trials of respiratory training on ventilation potential and extubation time in patients experiencing tracheotomy were collected as well. The searching time is limited to October 2021. The language restrictions are Chinese and English. Meta-analysis is performed by using RevMan5.4.Results:The results of this meta-analysis will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.Conclusion:This study will provide the latest evidence for the rehabilitation training of patients who underwent tracheotomy.OSF Registration Number:DOI 10.17605/OSF.IO/6UCQF.     

鼻胆管代替T型管引流在胆道外科手术中的应用研究

对125例胆石症患者行手术治疗,其中60例术后采用T型管引流（T管组）,65例采用自制的鼻胆管引流（鼻胆管组）,两组均经术后胆道造影拔管,结果鼻胆管组与T型管组比较,术后拔管及胆汁引流明显明显缩短,P均＜0．05,术后住院天数明显缩短,P＜0．05,术后与引流相关的并发症发生率低,P＜0．05,认为胆道外科术后采用鼻胆管引流能够缩短患者住院时间,避免胆汁大量丢失,并发症少,避免了长期带T管的痛苦。胃肠功能恢复快,有利于早期康复,是一种较为理想的引流方式。     

Predisposing factors for nosocomial pneumonia in patients receiving mechanical ventilation and requiring tracheotomy

STUDY OBJECTIVES: To assess the incidence of nosocomial pneumonia (NP) after tracheotomy in an ICU population and to determine NP risk factors during the ICU stay, particularly on the day of tracheotomy. DESIGN: A retrospective study using prospectively collected data. SETTING: A 16-bed multidisciplinary ICU. PATIENTS: One hundred thirty-five patients requiring tracheotomy for mechanical ventilation (MV) weaning. RESULTS: The mean (+/- SD) duration of MV before tracheotomy was 17.8 +/-13.4 days. Thirty-seven cases of NP occurred in 35 patients (25.9%), 8.7+/-7.3 days after the tracheotomy procedure. NP cases were classified as early NP (n = 19) if they occurred within 5 days after the procedure (mean, 2.7+/-1.1 days), and as late NP (n = 18) if they occurred beyond the fifth day (mean, 14.4+/-6.1 days). Multivariate analysis identified the following three independent factors associated with early NP: the presence of positive endotracheal aspirates (EAs) with pathogen levels of > or =10(5) cfu/mL (p = 0.0001); hyperthermia (temperature, > or =38.3 degrees C; p = 0.002) on the day of tracheotomy; and the continuation of sedation beyond 24 h after the tracheotomy (p = 0. 0001). Accountable pathogens of early NP were present in EA on the day of tracheotomy (p = 0.001). Cases of late NP were significantly associated with the duration of sedation before the procedure (p = 0. 002) and with hyperthermia (temperature, > or =38.3 degrees C) on the day of tracheotomy (p = 0.0005). The ICU admitting diagnosis, previous NP, duration of administration of antimicrobial agents and MV before tracheotomy, indication for tracheotomy, PO(2)/fraction of inspired oxygen ratio, and use of steroids on the day of the procedure were not associated with the occurrence of NP. The mortality rate of our population was 33.3%, and NP increased this percentage to 54.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Our results could suggest that tracheotomy should be delayed in mechanically ventilated patients with bronchial colonization and hyperthermia, when sedation cannot be discontinued after the procedure, to prevent occurrence of early NP.     

Effects of a multidisciplinary management program on neurologically impaired patients with dysphagia

Dysphagia is a major problem in patients with neurologic disorders. Aspiration pneumonia and impaired nutritional status are consequences of dysphagia that result in high morbidity and mortality rates [1, 2]. Assessment and treatment of the dysphagic patient by a multidisciplinary team have been advocated but to date the effects of such an approach have not been demonstrated quantitatively. This prospective study was conducted to determine if a dysphagia program would improve patients' caloric intake and body weight, decrease the instances of aspiration pneumonia, or improve patients' feeding ability. Patients were referred from a 26 bed neurology/neurosurgery unit. A time series design was utilized. The control group consisted of 15 patients (mean age=46.1 years), managed according to the existing ward routine. Subsequently, nursing staff attended a dysphagia training program. Following this, the treated group of 16 patients, (mean age=49.3 years) was assessed by the dysphagia team, using bedside and videofluoroscopic examinations to determine the specific swallowing disorder. An individualized treatment program was designed for each patient. The groups were compared on the basis of deviation from their baseline weight, deviation from ideal energy intake, and the incidence of aspiration pneumonia. Statistical analysis revealed that the groups were comparable in age, number of days on the study, and Glasgow Coma Scale score; and that a significant weight gain and increase in caloric intake occurred in the treated group. No incidence of aspiration pneumonia was reported in either group. We speculate that this may have been influenced by the meticulousness of the care delivered in an acute unit as well as greater attention to prevention given in both groups. We conclude that the institution of a multidisciplinary team to manage dysphagia resulted in improvement in patients' weight and caloric intake.     

Endoscopic Intubation with Conventional Plastic Stents: A Safe and Cost-Effective Palliation for Inoperable Esophageal Cancer

Access to expensive equipment and costly self-expanding metal endoprostheses is limited in some regions where unresectable esophageal cancer is not infrequent. The aim of this study was to review the long-term results of palliation of malignant esophageal obstruction using low-priced conventional plastic stents. One hundred sixty-nine patients with dysphagia due to inoperable esophageal cancer underwent esophageal intubation under endoscopic control alone, without general anesthesia, by the pulsion method. Stents mounted on their delivery device were inserted over an endoscopically placed guide wire. Improvement in swallowing was seen in all patients. Dysphagia scores have improved from 3.64 +/- 0.21 to 1.08 +/- 0.17. Major early procedure-related morbidity was high at 0.6% with one intramural perforation (no transmural perforation at all). Minimal mucosal bleeding was seen with 72 cases (42.6%). Procedure-related mortality was 0%. Late procedure-related complications requiring further endoscopic procedures occurred in 8.2% (tube occlusion: 5.3%, tube dislocation: 2.9%). Our 7-day mortality was 0% and 5 patients died within 30 days, usually from the disease itself. Those surviving the procedure (more than 7 days) had a mean survival of 209 days. Esophageal plastic stents can be accurately and safely placed under direct endoscopic control with lower costs. Therefore, endoscopic intubation remains a useful palliative treatment for patients with unresectable carcinoma of the esophagus.     

Dysphagia Outcomes in Patients with Brain Tumors Undergoing Inpatient Rehabilitation

The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare functional dysphagia outcomes following inpatient rehabilitation for patients with brain tumors with that of patients following a stroke. Group 1 (n = 24) consisted of consecutive admissions to the brain injury program with the diagnosis of brain tumor and dysphagia. Group 2 (n = 24) consisted of matched, consecutive admissions, with the diagnosis of acute stroke and dysphagia. Group 2 was matched for age, site of lesion, and initial composite cognitive FIM score. The main outcome measures for this study included the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) National Outcome Measurement System (NOMS) swallowing scale, length of stay, hospital charges, and medical complications. Results showed that swallowing gains made by both groups as evaluated by the admission and discharge ASHA NOMS levels were considered to be statistically significant. The differences for length of stay, total hospital charges, and speech charges between the two groups were not considered to be statistically significant. Three patients in the brain tumor group (12.5%) demonstrated dysphagia complications of either dehydration or pneumonia during their treatment course as compared to 0% in the stroke group. This study confirms that functional dysphagia gains can be achieved for patients with brain tumors undergoing inpatient rehabilitation and that they should be afforded the same type and intensity of rehabilitation for their swallowing that is provided to patients following a stroke. The Dr. Ralph and Marian Falk Medical Research Foundation supported this work. Work completed at Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital, Wheaton, Illinois     

Developing a dysphagia program in an acute care hospital: A needs assessment

A needs assessment for a hospital-based dysphagia program was conducted to determine incidence, management procedures, and outcome for stroke patients with swallowing disorders. Using a chart review of 225 patients, it was found that 28% had documented evidence of dysphagia. When dysphagia co-occurred with stroke, significantly more functional problems and medical complications were reported, as well as increased need for dietary modifications and alternative feeding methods. The dysphagic patients were more often aphasic and dysarthric and less able to communicate. Mental status was more likely to be reduced and the need for staff supervision during mealtime was increased. Dysphagic patients had significantly longer hospital stays, thus increasing the cost of their care. At discharge, almost half of them continued to need feeding modifications, which may have delayed rehabilitation or transfer to facilities with other levels of care. The dysphagia group clearly displayed a wide range of clinical symptoms that would alert staff to their risk for medical complications because of swallowing problems. We believe that this needs assessment clearly showed that a multidisciplinary dysphagia management program has the potential to enhance patient care while decreasing the cost of health care delivery for the hospital.     

Dysphagia following strokes: Clinical observations of swallowing rehabilitation employing Palatal Training Appliances

A retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate the progress of a group of dysphagic stroke patients for whom a dental prosthesis the Palatal Training Appliance (PTA), was used in the active rehabilitation of the swallowing mechanism. Patients selected were those who had sustained a stroke uncomplicated by other neurological illness, during one 12-month period, and whose dysphagia caused anxiety to the medical staff in the hospital ward. Thirty severely dysphagic stroke patients satisfied these criteria. The study recorded the duration and type of supplementary feeding required during hospitalization. Thirteen patients had evidence of aspiration before the PTA was fitted and 5 afterwards. Seven patients died, but only 1 was recorded as having a febrile illness which may have contributed to the death. At discharge, which averaged 10 weeks after admission, 22 of the 23 survivors were taking an adequate oral diet. It was also noted that almost half of the patients who wore dentures before the cerebrovascular event were unable to control them afterwards, adding to their neurological swallowing difficulties. The fitting of a PTA and correction of unstable dentures appeared to help both motivation and function. The results show an improvement in the rehabilitation of oral feeding compared with previous reports by other authors, who did not use the dental appliance. There did not appear to be any medical contraindication to its use.     

Significant tracheal obstruction causing failure to wean in patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation: a forgotten complication of long-term mechanical ventilation

INTRODUCTION: Modern low-pressure, high-volume cuffed tracheotomy tubes have been shown to decrease tracheal injury. However, injury still occurs in patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation and prevents weaning, delays decannulation, prolongs hospitalization, and may totally obstruct the airway. We describe 37 patients, including the first reported case of failure to wean due to tracheal obstruction. METHODS: Over a 3-year period, from September 1994 to August 1997, the hospital records of 37 patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation (> 4 weeks) and found to have tracheal obstruction were reviewed retrospectively. They were a subgroup of 756 patients admitted to hospitals during the same period. The average endotracheal/tracheostomy cannulation time was 3 weeks/12 weeks (range 2 to 4 weeks/8 to 14 weeks). Average age was 76 years (range, 34 to 81). Underlying diseases included COPD, postcoronary artery bypass graft surgery, postpneumonectomy, severe pneumonia, acute lung injury, and ischemic heart disease. RESULTS: All 37 patients who initially failed to wean had difficulty in breathing and developed intermittent high peak airway pressures either early or during the weaning process or just on being ventilated. The insertion of a longer tracheal tube bypassed the obstruction, reestablished the airway, decreased peak airway pressures, and allowed the patient to breathe more easily. The obstruction was confirmed on bronchoscopy. Treatment consisted of either placement of a longer tracheal tube (34 of 37 patients) or placement of a tracheal stent. All but two of the patients (5.4%) were able to be weaned within a week. The two patients who still failed to be weaned were subsequently diagnosed as having amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. CONCLUSION: Tracheal obstruction in patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation prevented weaning. Reestablishment of the airway with a longer tracheal tube or tracheal stent allowed most of the patients to be weaned.     

Confirmation of No Causal Relationship Between Tracheotomy and Aspiration Status: A Direct Replication Study

Debate continues regarding an association between tracheotomy and aspiration status. The aim of this research was to perform a direct replication study to investigate further the causal relationship, if any, between tracheotomy and aspiration. Twenty-five consecutive adult hospitalized patients participated. Inclusion criteria were a pretracheotomy dysphagia evaluation, subsequent tracheotomy and tracheotomy tube placement, then a post-tracheotomy dysphagia reevaluation prior to decannulation. Twenty-two (88%) participants exhibited the same aspiration status or resolved aspiration pre- versus post-tracheotomy. Three participants exhibited new aspiration post-tracheotomy due to worsening medical conditions. Conversely, four participants exhibited resolved aspiration post-tracheotomy due to improved medical conditions. Excluding these seven participants, all nine participants who aspirated pretracheotomy also aspirated post-tracheotomy and all nine participants who did not aspirate pretracheotomy also did not aspirate post-tracheotomy (P > 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found between aspiration status and days since tracheotomy (χ ² = 0.08, P > 0.05) or between age and aspiration status (P > 0.05). The absence of a causal relationship between tracheotomy and aspiration status was confirmed.     

高危患者颈内静脉穿刺术的经验与教训

目的:总结高危患者颈内颈脉穿刺术的经验。方法:回顾性分析4例慢性肾功能衰竭患者颈内静脉穿刺术的方法及出现渗血、血肿的原因。结果:穿刺过程中1例误入动脉,3例顺利穿刺入颈内静脉。分别于穿刺后4h内,不同时间穿刺侧颈部出现血肿,被迫施行气管插管和切开术。结论:肾功能衰竭患者出凝血机制异常,用肝素后更易发生出血。一旦发生出血,应积极采取有力措施。     

A novel robot device in rehabilitation of post-stroke hemiplegic upper limbs

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In this pilot study, we introduce the "NeReBot", a novel robotic device designed and programmed for clinical neurological applications. The aim of the study was to test whether additional sensorimotor training of paralyzed or paretic upper limbs, delivered by NeReBot, enhanced motor and functional outcome in stroke patients. METHODS: Twenty patients with post-stroke hemiparesis or hemiplegia received standard poststroke multidisciplinary rehabilitation, and were randomly assigned either to exposure to the robotic device without training or to additional sensorimotor robotic training (about 4 h/week) for 4 weeks. Robot training consisted of peripheral manipulation of the shoulder and elbow of the impaired limb, correlated with visual stimuli. RESULTS: At hospital discharge, impairment and disability had declined in all patients, but the group with robot training showed higher gains on motor impairment and functional recovery, which were maintained at the 3-month follow-up. No adverse events resulted from robot-assisted therapy. CONCLUSIONS: According to our results, NeReBot therapy may efficaciously complement standard post-stroke multidisciplinary rehabilitation and offer novel therapeutic strategies for neurological rehabilitation.     

胰管支架在内镜治疗困难的急性胆源性胰腺炎中的应用

目的 探讨胰管支架在内镜治疗困难的急性胆源性胰腺炎中的临床应用价值.方法 选择2005年1月至2009年12月间入院行内镜治疗急性胆源性胰腺炎困难患者81例,随机分为胰管支架治疗组35例,而未放置胰管支架的46例患者作为对照组,术后2组使用相同药物治疗,病情平稳后取出胰管支架(平均11 d),出院后随访3个月.结果 2...     

Swallowing Function Outcomes Following Nonsurgical Therapy for Advanced-Stage Laryngeal Carcinoma

The purposes of this study were to (1) evaluate swallowing function using both subjective and objective measures in patients treated nonsurgically for stages III and IV laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma, (2) assess the effect of time from treatment completion on swallowing function, and (3) assess sequelae associated with modality of treatment. To achieve these objectives, a retrospective study of 14 patients was conducted. Fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) was performed and evaluated by three independent judges for seven functional criteria: standing secretions, valleculae spillage, valleculae residue, postcricoid residue, laryngeal penetration, aspiration, and cough. Patient interviews were performed to establish patient perception of swallowing and his/her current posttreatment diet. Results revealed that each patient exhibited swallowing abnormalities in at least one of the seven objective functional categories studied. Ten patients suffered from variable degrees of dysphagia, ranging from mild to severe, on all measures. No significant differences were noted between those patients with less than or greater than 12 months posttreatment. Common treatment sequelae included PEG tube placement for nutritional supplementation, tracheostomy placement for airway security and/or pulmonary toilet, repeated episodes of aspiration pneumonia requiring hospital admission, and radiation-induced oropharyngeal stricture. Further studies using subjective and objective swallowing function measures for patients treated with alternative chemoradiation regimens versus surgery (with or without adjuvant therapies) for advanced stage laryngeal cancer are needed.