The Value of Tracheal Visualization in Tracheostomized Patients in Skilled and Long-Term Care Homes.

Objective This study aims to assess the impact of tracheal visualization on weaning success among tracheostomized patients in skilled and long-term care facilities, highlighting its role in reducing complications and enhancing clinical outcomes. Methods A retrospective observational study was conducted on tracheostomized patients residing in skilled nursing homes in Florida between 2018 and 2023. The study included individuals aged 18 years or older with established tracheostomies.

Ferrer Adjustable Speaking Valve for Early Phonation in a Deconditioned Patient.

A patient with multiple comorbidities and an eight-year history of tracheostomy was being treated for tracheitis. At this point, she became incapable of using regular speaking valves, and multiple attempts to reintroduce the speaking valve failed. A Ferrer adjustable speaking valve (FASV) was designed with gradations of outflow closure, allowing air to go through the vocal cords for phonation.