Importance

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Abstract

A method and apparatus for weaning a ventilator-dependent patient employs a transtracheal catheter that is inserted through the patient's tracheostomy tube to continuously augment the flow of oxygen to the lungs as the patient breathes spontaneously. The weaning process involves disconnecting the ventilator from the tracheostomy tube; deflating the tracheostomy tube cuff so that the patient can breathe spontaneously through the upper airway; removably inserting a transtracheal catheter through the tracheostomy tube; and supplying a continuous flow of an oxygen/air mixture through the transtracheal catheter and into the lungs of the patient. The transtracheal catheter is equipped with a button or plug having clips to engage and cover the proximal opening of the tracheostomy tube. In one embodiment, a flexible tracheostomy tube with an adjustable neck flange is used to allow the distal end of the tracheostomy tube to be positioned immediately above the patient's carina. The relative lengths of the tracheostomy tube and the transtracheal catheter are fixed so that the distal end of the transtracheal catheter remains within the tracheostomy tube approximately 1-2 cm from its distal end.

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First Claim