RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Methods for a Seamless Transition From Tracheostomy to Spontaneous Breathing in Patients With COVID-19
JF Respiratory Care
FD American Association for Respiratory Care
SP 1773
OP 1783
DO 10.4187/respcare.08157
VO 65
IS 11
A1 Miguel J Divo
A1 Catherine L Oberg
A1 Michael A Pritchett
A1 Bartolome R Celli
A1 Erik E Folch
YR 2020
UL http://rc.rcjournal.com/content/65/11/1773.abstract
AB The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected health care delivery worldwide. A small yet significant number of patients with respiratory failure will require prolonged mechanical ventilation while recovering from the viral-induced injury. The majority of reports thus far have focused on the epidemiology, clinical factors, and acute care of these patients, with less attention given to the recovery phase and care of those patients requiring extended time on mechanical ventilation. In this paper, we review the procedures and methods to safely care for patients with COVID-19 who require tracheostomy, gastrostomy, weaning from mechanical ventilation, and final decannulation. The guiding principles consist of modifications in the methods of airway care to safely prevent iatrogenesis and to promote safety in patients severely affected by COVID-19, including mitigation of aerosol generation to minimize risk for health care workers.