title: Tracheostomy decannulation.
abstract: The respiratory therapist plays an integral role in tracheostomy tube decannulation. Removal of the tracheostomy tube should be considered only if the original upper-airway obstruction is resolved, if airway secretions are controlled, and if mechanical ventilation is no longer needed. Predictors of success include ability to produce a vigorous cough and the absence of aspiration. Tracheostomy decannulation requires caution, particularly following a prolonged period of tracheostomy use. The tracheostomy tube decannulation process is well suited for therapist-implemented protocols.
authors.affiliation: Division of Pulmonary Sciences and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado, USA. drkchristopher@comcast.net
authors.forename: Kent L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Christopher
mesh_terms: D002985:Clinical Protocols; D020878:Device Removal / Q000379:methods* / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D018579:Patient Selection; D014139:Tracheostomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000592:standards