Speaking valves in tracheostomised ICU patients weaning off mechanical ventilation--do they facilitate lung recruitment?

[Curriculum "Tracheostomy management in dysphagia therapy"]

The number of tracheotomized patients with dysphagia and their need for treatment are continuously increasing in clinical and community settings. The revised version of the directive on home care and community-based intensive care of the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) requires that tracheotomized patients are regularly evaluated with the aim of identifying and promoting the therapeutic potential after hospital discharge. Dysphagia treatment plays a crucial role as without improvement of severe dysphagia there is practically no possibility for decannulation. Tracheotomized patients with dysphagia are treated by speech and language therapists (SLT); however, the contents of tracheostomy management (TM) are not obligatory in the speech and language therapeutic training curricula, so that there is a need for further education and treatment standards must be secured. Therefore, the German Interdisciplinary Society for Dysphagia (DGD) in cooperation with the participating German medical and therapeutic societies developed a postgraduate curriculum for TM. This should serve as the basis for contents in TM and qualification of therapists within the framework of the delegation of medical services. The goals of the TM curriculum are the definition of theoretical and practical contents of TM, the qualification to perform TM according to current standards of care and quality assurance. The curriculum defines two qualification levels (user and trainer), entry requirements, curricular contents, examination and qualification criteria as well as transitional regulations for SLTs already experienced in TM.

[Curriculum "Tracheostomy management in dysphagia therapy"]

The number of tracheotomized patients with dysphagia and their need for treatment are continuously increasing in clinical and community settings. The revised version of the directive on home care and community-based intensive care of the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA) requires that tracheotomized patients are regularly evaluated with the aim of identifying and promoting the therapeutic potential after hospital discharge. Dysphagia treatment plays a crucial role as without improvement of severe dysphagia there is practically no possibility for decannulation. Tracheotomized patients with dysphagia are treated by speech and language therapists (SLT); however, the contents of tracheostomy management (TM) are not obligatory in the speech and language therapeutic training curricula, so that there is a need for further education and treatment standards must be secured. Therefore, the German Interdisciplinary Society for Dysphagia (DGD) in cooperation with the participating German medical and therapeutic societies developed a postgraduate curriculum for TM. This should serve as the basis for contents in TM and qualification of therapists within the framework of the delegation of medical services. The goals of the TM curriculum are the definition of theoretical and practical contents of TM, the qualification to perform TM according to current standards of care and quality assurance. The curriculum defines two qualification levels (user and trainer), entry requirements, curricular contents, examination and qualification criteria as well as transitional regulations for SLTs already experienced in TM.

Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation, Weaning, and the Role of Tracheostomy

Depending on the definitional criteria used, approximately 5% to 10% of critical adults will require prolonged mechanical ventilation with longer-term outcomes that are worse than those ventilated for a shorter duration. Outcomes are affected by patient characteristics before critical illness and its severity but also by organizational characteristics and care models. Definitive trials of interventions to inform care activities, such as ventilator weaning, upper airway management, rehabilitation, and nutrition specific to the prolonged mechanical ventilation patient population, are lacking. A structured and individualized approach developed by the multiprofessional team in discussion with the patient and their family is warranted.

Ventilator Weaning in Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation-A Narrative Review

Patients requiring mechanical ventilation (MV) beyond 21 days, usually referred to as prolonged MV, represent a unique group with significant medical needs and a generally poor prognosis. Research suggests that approximately 10% of all MV patients will need prolonged ventilatory care, and that number will continue to rise. Although we have extensive knowledge of MV in the acute care setting, less is known about care in the post-ICU setting. More than 50% of patients who were deemed unweanable in the ICU will be liberated from MV in the post-acute setting. Prolonged MV also presents a challenge in care for medically complex, elderly, socioeconomically disadvantaged and marginalized individuals, usually at the end of their life. Patients and their families often rely on ventilator weaning facilities and skilled nursing homes for the continuation of care, but home ventilation is becoming more common. The focus of this review is to discuss recent advances in the weaning strategies in prolonged MV, present their outcomes and provide insight into the complexity of care.

Benefits and options for voice restoration in mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients with a tracheostomy

Communication difficulties and their effects on patients who are mechanically ventilated are commonly reported and well described. The possibility of restoring speech for patients has obvious benefits, not only for meeting patient's immediate needs, but for helping them to re-engage in relationships and participate meaningfully in their recovery and rehabilitation. This opinion piece by a group of United Kingdom (UK) based Speech and Language Therapy experts working in critical care describes the various ways by which a patient's own voice can be restored. Common barriers to using different techniques and potential solutions are explored. We therefore hope that this will encourage intensive care unit (ICU) multi-disciplinary teams to advocate and facilitate early verbal communication in these patients.

Development of a swallowing risk screening tool and best practice recommendations for the management of oropharyngeal dysphagia following acute cervical spinal cord injury: an international multi-professional Delphi consensus

PURPOSE

International multi-professional expert consensus was sought to develop best practice recommendations for clinical management of patients following cervical spinal cord injury with oropharyngeal dysphagia and associated complications. Additionally, risk factors for dysphagia were identified to support the development of a screening tool.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A two-round Delphi study was undertaken with a 27-member panel of expert professionals in cervical spinal cord injury and complex dysphagia. They rated 85 statements across seven topic areas in round one, using a five-point Likert scale with a consensus set at 70%. Statements not achieving consensus were revised for the second round. Comparative group and individual feedback were provided at the end of each round.

RESULTS

Consensus was achieved for 50 (59%) statements in round one and a further 12 (48%) statements in round two. Recommendations for best practice were agreed for management of swallowing, respiratory function, communication, nutrition and oral care. Twelve risk factors for dysphagia were identified for components of a screening tool.

CONCLUSIONS

Best practice recommendations support wider clinical management to prevent complications and direct specialist care. Screening for risk factors allows early dysphagia identification with the potential to improve clinical outcomes. Further evaluation of the impact of these recommendations is needed.Implications for RehabilitationDysphagia is an added complication following cervical spinal cord injury (cSCI) affecting morbidity, mortality and quality of life.Early identification of dysphagia risk allows focused interventions that reduce associated nutritional and respiratory impairments.Best practice recommendations based on expert consensus provide a baseline of appropriate interventions, in the absence of empirical evidence.A multi-professional approach to rehabilitation encourages a consistent and coordinated approach to care across acute and rehabilitation settings.

Clinical utility and future direction of speaking valve: A review

This paper summarizes and analyzes the clinical research progress of the speaking valve in recent years, including the structure and function of the speaking valve, the impact of the speaking valve on the patient’s vocalization or speech, the impact on ventilator weaning and tracheal intubation and extubation, and the effect on aspiration and swallowing function, the impact on patient mobility and quality of life. Related issues in clinical use are also described.

Communication Success and Speaking Valve Use in Intensive Care Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilation

BACKGROUND

Communication with patients receiving mechanical ventilation in an intensive care unit can be challenging. Once a patient is tracheostomized, a speaking valve may enable restoration of verbal communication. To date, no data are available on the effect of speaking valves on communication success in intensive care units.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this prospective cohort study was to measure communication success before and during speaking valve use for intensive care patients being weaned from mechanical ventilation, from both the nurses' and the patients' perspectives.

METHODS

In a prospective cohort study, consecutive eligible patients and their nurses were asked to complete newly developed questionnaires on communication success before and while patients used a speaking valve (6 questions for patients, 5 questions for nurses, answers on a 10-point scale with 10 the best score). The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to analyze score differences.

RESULTS

For all questionnaire items, both patients (n = 25) and nursing staff (n = 52) reported significantly higher communication success during speaking valve use. Nurses understood moderately well that their patients were in pain (median [IQR], 5.8 [4.7-7.4]) even before speaking valve use. Most patients found it challenging to say something quickly even while using a speaking valve (6.9 [5.7-10.0]). Overall, speaking valve use markedly increased communication success.

CONCLUSION

A speaking valve should be considered for patients with a tracheostomy as soon as possible to improve their communication success.

An Update on Cardiorespiratory Physiotherapy during Mechanical Ventilation

Physiotherapists are integral members of the multidisciplinary team managing critically ill adult patients. However, the scope and role of physiotherapists vary widely internationally, with physiotherapists in some countries moving away from providing early and proactive respiratory care in the intensive care unit (ICU) and focusing more on early mobilization and rehabilitation. This article provides an update of cardiorespiratory physiotherapy for patients receiving mechanical ventilation in ICU. Common and some more novel assessment tools and treatment options are described, along with the mechanisms of action of the treatment options and the evidence and physiology underpinning them. The aim is not only to summarize the current state of cardiorespiratory physiotherapy but also to provide information that will also hopefully help support clinicians to deliver personalized and optimal patient care, based on the patient's unique needs and guided by accurate interpretation of assessment findings and the current evidence. Cardiorespiratory physiotherapy plays an essential role in optimizing secretion clearance, gas exchange, lung recruitment, and aiding with weaning from mechanical ventilation in ICU. The physiotherapists' skill set and scope is likely to be further optimized and utilized in the future as the evidence base continues to grow and they get more and more integrated into the ICU multidisciplinary team, leading to improved short- and long-term patient outcomes.

The Association Between Upper Airway Patency and Speaking Valve Trial Tolerance for Patients With Tracheostomy: A Clinical Retrospective Study and an In Vitro Study

Purpose Upper airway patency is crucial in a patient's ability to tolerate a one-way speaking valve (SV). Traditional assessment of airway patency is mainly subjective. We developed four noninvasive methods to assess patency (leak volume, transtracheal pressure [TTP], end-tidal CO₂, and Mallampati score) in our institution. This study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the four methods and explore the relationship between the patient's upper airway patency and SV trial tolerance. Method A retrospective cohort study was conducted to enroll adult patients with tracheostomies eligible for an SV trial from April 2019 through January 2020. An in vitro study was also implemented to explore the relationship between upper airway patency and noninvasive measurements. Results Forty patients (22 men and 18 women) were included; 16 used SV in-line with mechanical ventilation. Twenty-four patients tolerated an SV trial of > 10 min; they had lower TTP (3.0 [2.0-9.0] vs. 15.0 [9.3-21.3] cm H₂O, p < .001), higher leak volume (268.5 ± 177.2 vs. 88.6 ± 99.6 ml, p = .038), and lower percentage of patients with Mallampati Classification IV (16.7 vs. 50.0%, p = .035), compared to the 16 patients who did not tolerate an SV trial. Twenty-two patients with a TTP of ≤ 9 cm H₂O had higher percentage tolerating an SV trial than those with a TTP of > 9 cm H₂O (86.4 vs. 35.3%, p = .002). The in vitro study demonstrated a strong correlation between upper airway patency and TTP, peak inspiratory flow, and tidal volume inhaled from the upper airway. Conclusions TTP, Mallampati classification, and leak volume can be used to assess upper airway patency for adult patients with tracheostomies undergoing an SV trial. A TTP of ≤ 9 cm H₂O might indicate adequate upper airway patency to tolerate the SV trial.

Aleitamento materno na experiência de mães de crianças traqueostomizadas e o uso da válvula Passy-Muir®

Resumo Objetivo compreender a experiência de mães de crianças traqueostomizadas, entre 0 e 24 meses de idade, que retomaram o aleitamento materno com o uso de válvula de deglutição Passy-Muir®. Método pesquisa descritiva, de natureza qualitativa, com 11 mães de crianças traqueostomizadas que adaptaram a válvula de deglutição Passy-Muir®, acompanhadas em um centro de reabilitação e fonoaudiologia, mediante entrevistas semiestruturadas, nos meses de junho a agosto de 2017. A análise foi fundamentada nos pressupostos da análise de conteúdo temática. Resultados na experiência das mães, após a traqueostomia da criança, o uso da válvula de deglutição Passy-Muir® minimizou as dificuldades no aleitamento materno. Superado o processo de adaptação da válvula, foram percebidos seus benefícios. São descritos os sentimentos das mães nesse processo, suas expectativas quanto ao uso do dispositivo e o prazer e plenitude para a mulher no retorno do aleitamento materno. Conclusões e implicações para a prática observaram-se segurança ao aleitar, menor produção de secreção, reduções no número de aspirações de vias áreas, melhora no padrão respiratório, vocalizações (balbucios e choro), melhora na qualidade do sono da criança. Novas pesquisas que abordem o aleitamento materno de crianças traqueostomizadas são necessárias para aprofundar conhecimentos nesta área.

Tracheostomy management by speech-language pathologists in Sweden

Purpose: Speech-language pathologists' (SLPs) role in tracheostomy management is well described internationally. Surveys from Australia and the United Kingdom show high clinical consistency in SLP tracheostomy management, and that practice follows guidelines, research evidence and protocols. Swedish SLPs work with tracheostomised patients, however, the content and extent of this practice, and how it compares to international research is unknown. This study reports how SLPs in Sweden work with tracheostomised patients, investigating (a) the differences and similarities in SLPs tracheostomy management and (b) the facilitators and barriers to tracheostomy management, as reported by SLPs.Methods: A study-specific, online questionnaire was completed by 28 SLPs who had managed tracheostomised patients during the previous year. This study was conducted in 2018, pre Covid-19 pandemic. The answers were analysed for exploratory descriptive comparison of data. Content analyses were made on answers from open-ended questions.Results: Swedish SLPs manage tracheostomised patients, both for dysphagia and communication. During this study, the use of protocols and guidelines were limited and SLPs were often not part of a tracheostomy team. Speech-language pathologists reported that the biggest challenges in tracheostomy management were in (a) collaboration with other professionals, (b) unclear roles and (c) self-perceived inexperience. Improved collaboration with other professionals and clearer roles was suggested to facilitate team tracheostomy management.Conclusions: This study provides insight into SLP tracheostomy management in Sweden, previously uncharted. Results suggest improved collaboration, further education and clinical training as beneficial for a clearer and more involved SLP role in tracheostomy management.

Failure of standard tracheostomy decannulation criteria to detect suprastomal pathology

Meeting established criteria for tracheostomy decannulation should improve success, although there will be a small proportion of patients with a tracheostomy who fail decannulation. Failure rates depend on patient characteristics and disparity between institutional practices and expert opinion. However, there are no widely accepted published failure rates, or agreement on the time-point at which failure is assessed. We present a patient who had evidence of readiness for decannulation, but had immediate failure due to extrinsic tracheal compression, which proved difficult to diagnose and required surgery to resolve. Capping the tracheostomy before decannulation may or may not have given rise to suspicion of potential failure and this practice requires further evaluation as it is not without risk. For subglottic, but suprastomal lesions, nasendoscopy is not of value. It is important to decannulate patients in a safe environment, preferably early in the day to allow post decannulation observations and interventions should they become necessary, and with the close involvement of the multi-professional team. This report illustrates the failure of our standard Tracheostomy decannulation criteria, and direct upper airway view to identify suprastomal tracheal pathology, and we discuss the potential for additional criteria which may have identified the issue before decannulation attempts.

Sedatives, analgesics and antipsychotics in tracheostomised ICU patients - Is less more?

BACKGROUND

Sedation and anaesthesia are used universally to facilitate mechanical ventilation - with larger cumulative doses being used in those with prolonged ventilation. Transitioning from an endotracheal to a tracheostomy tube enables the depth of sedation to be reduced. Early use of speaking valves with tracheostomised patients has become routine in some intensive care units (ICU). The return of verbal communication has been observed to improve ease of patient care and increase patient and family engagement, with a perceived reduction in patient agitation.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the potential impact of speaking valve (SV) use on requirements of sedatives, analgesics and antipsychotics in ICU patients with a tracheostomy.

METHODS

A retrospective data audit was undertaken for all tracheostomised patients in a cardio-respiratory ICU from 2011 to 2014. Use of sedative, analgesic and antipsychotic drugs was captured for endotracheal tube, tracheostomy and SV periods, including patient demographics, disease specifics and severity. Stratified Cox regression analysis was performed to determine the effects of SV on drug dosage.

RESULTS

Of 257 patients, 144 (56%) received an SV. Use of an SV was associated with reduced risk of being in the upper quartile of daily dosage of analgesics (HR: 0.6; 95% CI: 0.5-0.8; p < 0.001). In the final adjusted multivariable model, analgesic dose was additionally associated with age, and attendance to operating theatre during ICU. Sedative dose was associated with age, gender and SOFA score. Antipsychotic dose was associated with gender (less likely in females: HR 0.6, 95% CI: 0.4-0.8), age and APACHE score.

CONCLUSIONS

There was significantly less analgesic used in patients with an SV compared to those without. However, SV use in patients with tracheostomy was not found to be associated with reduced dose of sedatives or antipsychotics, despite the clinical impression. Future prospective studies are needed to more adequately investigate the association between drugs and patients' ability to verbally participate in their care.

Long-term ventilation for children with chronic lung disease of infancy

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Modern medical advances have resulted in an increased survival after extremely preterm birth. However, some infants will develop severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and fail to wean from invasive or noninvasive positive pressure support. It remains unclear which infants will benefit from tracheostomy placement for chronic ventilation. Once the decision to pursue chronic ventilation has been made, questions remain with respect to the timing of tracheotomy surgery, optimal strategies for mechanical ventilation, and multidisciplinary care in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. The appropriate time for weaning mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy decannulation has similarly not been determined.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although there remains a paucity of randomized controlled trials involving infants with severe BPD, a growing body of evidence suggests that chronic ventilation via tracheostomy is beneficial to support the growth and development of severely affected preterm children. However, delivering such care is not without risk. Chronic ventilation via tracheostomy requires complex care coordination and significant resource utilization.

SUMMARY

When chronic respiratory insufficiency limits a preterm infant's ability to grow and develop, chronic invasive ventilation may facilitate neurodevelopmental progress and may lead to an improved long-term outcome.

European Respiratory Society International Congress 2018: highlights from Assembly 2 on respiratory intensive care

The respiratory intensive care Assembly of the European Respiratory Society is proud to present a summary of several important sessions held at the International Congress in Paris in 2018. For the highly esteemed reader who may have missed the Congress, a concise review was written on three topics: the state-of-the-art session on respiratory critical care, hot topics in weaning and the best abstracts in noninvasive ventilation.

The respiratory intensive care Assembly of the European Respiratory Society is proud to present a summary of several important sessions from the 2018 #ERSCongress in Parishttp://ow.ly/6Du830nFESK

The patient needing prolonged mechanical ventilation: a narrative review

BACKGROUND

Progress in management has improved hospital mortality of patients admitted to the intensive care units, but also the prevalence of those patients needing weaning from prolonged mechanical ventilation, and of ventilator assisted individuals. The result is a number of difficult clinical and organizational problems for patients, caregivers and health services, as well as high human and financial resources consumption, despite poor long-term outcomes. An effort should be made to improve the management of these patients. This narrative review summarizes the main concepts in this field.

MAIN BODY

There is great variability in terminology and definitions of prolonged mechanical ventilation.There have been several recent developments in the field of prolonged weaning: ventilatory strategies, use of protocols, early mobilisation and physiotherapy, specialised weaning units.There are few published data on discharge home rates, need of home mechanical ventilation, or long-term survival of these patients.Whether artificial nutritional support improves the outcome for these chronic critically ill patients, is unclear and controversial how these data are reported on the optimal time of initiation of parenteral vs enteral nutrition.There is no consensus on time of tracheostomy or decannulation. Despite several individualized, non-comparative and non-validated decannulation protocols exist, universally accepted protocols are lacking as well as randomised controlled trials on this critical issue. End of life decisions should result from appropriate communication among professionals, patients and surrogates and national legislations should give clear indications.

CONCLUSION

Present medical training of clinicians and locations like traditional intensive care units do not appear enough to face the dramatic problems posed by these patients. The solutions cannot be reserved to professionals but must involve also families and all other stakeholders. Large multicentric, multinational studies on several aspects of management are needed.

Ventilation distribution and lung recruitment with speaking valve use in tracheostomised patient weaning from mechanical ventilation in intensive care

PURPOSE

Speaking valves (SV) are used infrequently in tracheostomised ICU patients due to concerns regarding their putative effect on lung recruitment. A recent study in cardio-thoracic population demonstrated increased end-expiratory lung volumes during and post SV use without examining if the increase in end-expiratory lung impedance (EELI) resulted in alveolar recruitment or potential hyperinflation in discrete loci.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A secondary analysis of Electrical Impedance Tomography (EIT) data from a previous study was conducted. EELI distribution and tidal variation (TV) were assessed with a previously validated tool. A new tool was used to investigate ventilated surface area (VSA) and regional ventilation delay (RVD) as indicators of alveolar recruitment.

RESULTS

The increase in EELI was found to be uniform with significant increase across all lung sections (p<0.001). TV showed an initial non-significant decrease (p=0.94) with subsequent increase significantly above baseline (p<0.001). VSA and RVD showed non-significant changes during and post SV use.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that hyperinflation did not occur with SV use, which is supported by previously published data on respiratory parameters. These data along with obvious psychological benefits to patients are encouraging towards safe use of SVs in this critically ill cardio-thoracic patient population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Anna-Liisa Sutt, Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR).

ACTRN

ACTRN12615000589583. 4/6/2015.