Repositioning a displaced tracheostomy tube with an Aintree intubation catheter mounted on a fibre-optic bronchoscope

Implementation of an evidence-based accidental tracheostomy dislodgement bundle in a community hospital critical care unit

BACKGROUND

Tracheostomy dislodgment can lead to catastrophic neurological injury or death. A fresh tracheostomy amplifies the risk of such events, where an immature tract predisposes to false passage. Unfortunately, few resources exist to prepare healthcare professionals to manage this airway emergency.

AIM

To create and implement an accidental tracheostomy dislodgement (ATD) bundle to improve knowledge and comfort when responding to ATD.

MATERIALS & METHODS

A multidisciplinary team with expertise in tracheostomy developed a 3-part ATD bundle including (1) Tracheostomy Dislodgement Algorithm, (2) Head of Bed Tracheostomy Communication Tool and (3) Emergency Tracheostomy Kit. The team tested the bundle during the COVID-19 pandemic in a community hospital critical care unit with the engagement of nurses and Respiratory Care Practitioners. Baseline and post-implementation knowledge and comfort levels were measured using Dorton's Tracheotomy Education Self-Assessment Questionnaire, and adherence to protocol was assessed. Reporting follows the revised Standards for Quality Improvement Reporting Excellence (SQUIRE).

RESULTS

Twenty-four participants completed pre-test and post-test questionnaires. The median knowledge score on the Likert scale increased from 4.0 (IQR = 1.0) pre-test to 5.0 (IQR = 1.0) post-test. The median comfort level score increased from 38.0 (IQR = 7.0) pre-test to 40.0 (IQR = 5.0) post-test). In patient rooms, adherence was 100% for the Head of Bed Tracheostomy Communication Tool and Emergency Tracheostomy Kit. The adherence rate for using the Dislodgement Algorithm was 55% in ICU and 40% in SCU.

DISCUSSION

This study addresses the void of tracheostomy research conducted in local community hospitals. The improvement in knowledge and comfort in managing ATD is reassuring, given the knowledge gap among practitioners demonstrated in prior literature. The ATD bundle assessed in this study represents a streamlined approach for bedside clinicians - definitive management of ATD should adhere to comprehensive multidisciplinary guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

ATD bundle implementation increased knowledge and comfort levels with managing ATD. Further studies must assess whether ATD bundles and other standardised approaches to airway emergencies reduce adverse events. Relevance to Clinical Practice A streamlined intervention bundle employed at the unit level can significantly improve knowledge and comfort in managing ATD, which may reduce morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients with tracheostomy.

Wound care management: tracheostomy and gastrostomy

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) and percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) tube placements are routine procedures performed in the intensive care units (ICUs). They are performed to facilitate care and promote healing. They also help prevent complications from prolonged endotracheal intubation and malnutrition. In most cases, both are performed simultaneously. Physicians performing them require knowledge of local anatomy, tissue and vascular relationships, along with advance bronchoscopy and endoscopy skills. Although PDTs and PEGs are considered relatively low-risk procedures, operators need to have the knowledge and skill to recognize and prevent adverse outcomes. Current published literature on post-procedural care and stoma wound management was reviewed. Available recommendations for the routine care of tracheostomy and PEG tubes are included in this review. Signs and symptoms of early PDT- and PEG-related complications and their management are discussed in detail. These include hemorrhage, infection, accidental decannulation, tube obstruction, clogging, and dislodgement. Rare, life-threatening complications are also discussed. Multidisciplinary teams are needed for improved patient care, and members should be aware of all pertinent care aspects and potential complications related to PDT and PEG placement. Each institute is strongly encouraged to have detailed protocols to standardize care. This review provides a state-of-the-art guidance on the care of patients with tracheostomies and gastrostomies specifically in the ICU setting.

From Tracheal Stenosis to Tracheostomy Displacement: A Case Report on a Seemingly Never-Ending Difficult Airway

We report a case of undiagnosed tracheal stenosis that culminated in acute respiratory failure in an inpatient unit. After failed intubation attempts, the placement of a supraglottic airway resulted in successful ventilation and was followed by a tracheostomy in the operating room. Postoperatively, the tracheostomy tube became accidentally dislodged necessitating emergency measures with eventual reinsertion of a longer tracheostomy tube. We present this case to highlight life-saving airway strategies that may be considered in such emergency situations and propose 2 simple algorithms to guide anesthesiologists in managing similar airway emergencies.

Multidisciplinary guidelines for the management of paediatric tracheostomy emergencies

Temporary and permanent tracheostomies are required in children to manage actual or anticipated long-term ventilatory support, to aid secretion management or to manage fixed upper airway obstruction. Tracheostomies may be required from the first few moments of life, with the majority performed in children < 4 years of age. Although similarities with adult tracheostomies are apparent, there are key differences when managing the routine and emergency care of children with tracheostomies. The National Tracheostomy Safety Project identified the need for structured guidelines to aid multidisciplinary clinical decision making during paediatric tracheostomy emergencies. These guidelines describe the development of a bespoke emergency management algorithm and supporting resources. Our aim is to reduce the frequency, nature and severity of paediatric tracheostomy emergencies through preparation and education of staff, parents, carers and patients.

An animal tissue simulation assessing three directional displacement forces on five common tracheostomy securing techniques

Introduction Several methods of securing a tracheostomy tube have been described in the literature including using ties or tapes around the neck and suturing the plastic flange to the neck in various ways. However, there are no wet lab-based studies to objectively determine the force required to displace the tracheostomy tube using different securing techniques. Ours is the first animal tissue simulation study published in the literature. Methods A simulated tracheostomy stoma was created on a sheep neck model. A tracheostomy tube was inserted into the stoma and secured using various methods. Tension tests were conducted to significantly displace the tube from the stoma. Each technique was repeated six times on different sheep necks. All results were analysed using SPSS®. Results Repeat measurements indicated that the largest displacement forces come from an oblique direction while the lowest force values were found at the lateral angle. Averages of displacement showed that medially placed sutures required the largest forces in comparison with other securing methods. Wilcoxon signed-rank testing indicated that medial and continuous suture security resists displacement at forces that otherwise displace flange and interrupted sutures. Conclusions This study has shown that any type of securing suture requires a greater displacement force than the strap of the tracheostomy tube holder alone. Medially placed sutures require a greater displacement force than those placed laterally. Displacement in the lateral direction requires the least force in comparison with movement at perpendicular or oblique angles.

Technical Improvements of Difficult Tracheotomy

The aim of this study was to explore the application value of technical improvements of difficult tracheotomy. Percutaneous dilatational tracheotomy kit combined with traditional surgical tracheotomy was performed on seven patients with various types of difficult tracheotomy surgery from Jan. 2011 to Mar. 2013 in our hospital. The indicators, such as difficulty degree and intraoperative peripheral oxygen saturation changes of each patient, were assessed and analyzed. The average operating time was 20 min (from the beginning of skin incision to the implantation of the tracheal tube), and the time from cutting out tracheal cartilage rings to completely implanting tracheal tube was with 2 min; the intraoperative oxygen saturation degrees were all above 92 %. There were no serious complications, such as intraoperative hemorrhea, asphyxia, cardiac arrest, or others, and no complications, such as postoperative bleeding, pneumothorax, cervical spinal cord injury, tracheal stenosis, tracheoesophageal fistula, or others, appeared. The technical improvements used in difficult tracheotomy could reduce the risk of surgery, difficulties of the surgical operation and postoperative complications and make the operation much more easy and more suitable for the clinical application.

Resuscitating the tracheostomy patient in the ED

BACKGROUND

Emergency physicians must be masters of the airway. The patient with tracheostomy can present with complications, and because of anatomy, airway and resuscitation measures can present several unique challenges. Understanding tracheostomy basics, features, and complications will assist in the emergency medicine management of these patients.

OBJECTIVE OF REVIEW

The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the basics and features of the tracheostomy, along with an approach to managing tracheostomy complications.

DISCUSSION

This review provides background on the reasons for tracheostomy placement, basics of tracheostomy, and tracheostomy tube features. Emergency physicians will be faced with complications from these airway devices, including tracheostomy obstruction, decannulation or tube dislodgement, stenosis, tracheoinnominate fistula, and tracheoesophageal fistula. Critical patients should be evaluated in the resuscitation bay, and consultation with ENT should be completed while the patient is in the department. This review provides several algorithms for management of complications. Understanding these complications and an approach to airway management during cardiac arrest resuscitation is essential to optimizing patient care.

CONCLUSION

Tracheostomy patients can present unique challenges for emergency physicians. Knowledge of the basics and features of tracheostomy tubes can assist physicians in managing life-threatening complications including tube obstruction, decannulation, bleeding, stenosis, and fistula.

Tracheostomy care and complications in the intensive care unit

Tracheotomy is a common procedure in intensive care units, and nurses must provide proper care to tracheostomy patients to prevent complications. One of the most important considerations is effective mobilization of secretions, and a suction catheter is the most important tool for that purpose. Each bedside should be equipped with a functional suctioning system, an oxygen source, a manual resuscitation bag, and a complete tracheostomy kit, which should accompany patients wherever they go in the hospital. Complications include infection, tracheomalacia, skin breakdown, and tracheoesophageal fistula. Tracheostomy emergencies include hemorrhage, tube dislodgement and loss of airway, and tube obstruction; such emergencies are managed more effectively when all necessary supplies are readily available at the bedside. This article describes how to provide proper care in the intensive care unit, strategies for preventing complications, and management of tracheostomy emergencies.