Abstract
Tracheostomy is the most viable strategy to maintain comfort in patients dependent on prolonged invasive mechanical ventilation, as it reduces the need for sedation, facilitates airway handling, and provides the return home of patients dependent on invasive ventilation. Since the presence of the cannula can compromise physiological functions, such as speech and swallowing, these are still issues under debate. The purpose of this chapter is to review the physiological changes in the upper airway related to tracheostomy placement. Respiration, speech, and swallowing rehabilitation strategies are presented. Additionally, the use of decannulation strategies, including the use of noninvasive ventilation, are widely discussed.
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Dorça, A.C., Vergara, J., Alcântara, L.A.M.B. (2023). Tracheostomy in Upper Airway Disorders. In: Esquinas, A.M., De Vito, A., Barbetakis, N. (eds) Upper Airway Disorders and Noninvasive Mechanical Ventilation. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-32487-1_25
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