Gary Karp wrote:
>
> As I write about vent use for my book, I'm learning about trach tubes, and
> have a few questions. If anyone would care to address them - either by
> private email or via the group - it would be a tremendous help.
>
> Since using an inflatable cuff prohibits speech, why does someone need to
> use one?
>
> Is it possible to adapt by deflating it when you want to talk, or is that
> not worth the trouble?
>
> Does the cuff improve pressure and prevent infection that much more
> effectively than the Jackson tube or other types?
>
> What does it take to manage infection and secretions well
>
> Is doing suction a difficult routine to keep up effectively?
>
> How often do trach changes really need to happen?
>
> Do suctioning and tube changes easily irritate the tissue and cause more
> secretions?
>
> Do alarms go off when they're not supposed to?
>
> How many vent users can only breathe on their own for ten or fifteen
> minutes? Or less.
>
> How good a job did rehab do of setting up optimal equipment and procedures,
> or do people tend to learn what they really need from experience?
>
> Thanks for any help.
>
> Gary Karp
> Author, Life On Wheels