Product Development for Weaning in Respiratory Care

Abstract

This paper describes the development of a therapeutical device for the support of the weaning process in respiratory care, following the decannulation of the breathing tube. The new product is to enhance the healing of a temporary, percutaneous tracheostoma by the provision of visual contact to the stoma or the wound respectively, allowing to intervene at an early stage if required. Interventions are facilitated by the new device by means of variable adaptors, in particular for (tracheal) suctioning, (temporal) insertion of a placeholder cannula or contribution of oxygen and by the reinsertion of a breathing tube if necessary. As the overall benefit, the new product will shorten the healing process of the tracheostoma and support wound management for the benefit of patients.