Clinical Intervention for Airway Improvement: Establishing a New Nose

Adoption and Utilization of Heat and Moisture Exchangers (HMEs) in the Tracheostomy Patient

“…These changes to the pulmonary and upper respiratory system have been well documented and create an additional physiological burden on an already unwell patient. [1][2][3] Because of this surgical intervention, a tracheostomy can directly impair verbal communication, especially in the initial postsurgical period which subsequently adds an extra layer of complexity to the basic functional communication needs of the patient. Complications such as mucus plugging and associated respiratory distress are not uncommon.…”

“…Additionally, airway resistance and mucocilliary clearance are disrupted, leading to thicker, viscous mucus which can be challenging to clear from the airway. These changes to the pulmonary and upper respiratory system have been well documented and create an additional physiological burden on an already unwell patient 1‐3 . Because of this surgical intervention, a tracheostomy can directly impair verbal communication, especially in the initial postsurgical period which subsequently adds an extra layer of complexity to the basic functional communication needs of the patient.…”