DESIGN AND DEVELOPMENT OF A PROTOTYPE OF PROGRAMMABLE TRACHEOSTOMY CANNULA THAT CAN PERFORM OVER-CUFF SUCTION FOR USE IN INTENSIVE CARE PATIENTS WITH DYSPHAGIA

Abstract

One of the most important risks in patients with respiratory device-related dysphagia is aspiration pneumonia. Since these patients do not have a swallowing reflex, secretions flowing from the mouth and nose area into the trachea accumulate on the cuff, creating a suitable environment for bacterial growth and causing pneumonia to develop in the patient. One of the most important risks in patients with respiratory device-related dysphagia is aspiration pneumonia. Since these patients do not have a swallowing reflex, secretions flowing from the mouth and nose area into the trachea accumulate on the cuff, creating a suitable environment for bacterial growth and causing pneumonia to develop in the patient. Currently, suctioning of these patients is performed manually by nurses. However, manual aspiration cannot provide disinfection at the desired level and cannot be performed as often as desired. In this study, a tracheostomy cannula prototype that can perform spontaneous cuff washing and aspiration was developed to eliminate these problems.