A novel method for replacement of the dislodged tracheostomy tube: the nasogastric tube "guidewire" technique.
Unscheduled replacement of dislodged tracheostomy tubes can be a challenging procedure for the physician and a frightening event for the patient. Forceful attempts at replacement are both painful and dangerous; such attempts may disrupt the soft tissues adjacent to the tracheostomy tract, creating a false passage and potentiating acute respiratory failure. We describe a technique using a standard nasogastric tube that allows safe and precise replacement of tracheostomy tubes in both sedated and combative patients under routine and emergent conditions.
Young
J S
JS
Department of Surgery, University of Virginia Health Sciences Center, Charlottesville 22903, USA.
Brady
W J
WJ
Kesser
B
B
Mullins
D
D
D006801:Humans; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal / Q000379:methods*; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000379:methods*