Risk of Long-term use of Endotracheal Tube (ETT)

• Large amount of sedation for tube tolerance
• Reduced ability to swallow and cough
• Unable to vocalise
• Trauma and discomfort for patient

Tracheostomy can help in the process of weaning a patient off long-term mechanical ventilation, especially patients with neuromuscular conditions such as spinal cord injury (SCI and C-spine injury (CSI). It provides a more stable airway and makes it easier to gradually reduce ventilator support, as well as allowing for intermittent periods of spontaneous breathing, aiding recovery of respiratory function.

Mechanical ventilation is a therapy that helps patients breathe (partial) or breathes for patients (complete) when they can’t breathe on their own. It keeps the airways open, delivers oxygen and removes carbon dioxide. Patients might be on ventilator during surgery or if their lungs aren’t working properly.