Tracheostomy

Tracheostomy is being performed on children with increasing frequency and is usually performed surgically. The indications have changed over the past 100 years and it is now most commonly performed in patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. Multidisciplinary preoperative assessment is valuable. There are some areas of debate regarding the best surgical technique. Care should be taken to minimize early complications related to poor technique. Postoperative management should take place in the intensive care setting. Sedation is frequently necessary for children until the first tube change, which can be performed early if stomal maturation sutures have been used and the condition of the patient is appropriate. Delayed complications may require the input of a specialist airway surgeon. Clinical nurse specialists play an important role in perioperative care. Each center should have a protocol for decannulation. Ex utero intrapartum treatment may necessitate tracheostomy in a high-pressure setting and requires significant planning. Guidelines have been developed regarding tracheostomy management during the COVID-19 pandemic and should be adhered to. © Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2023. All rights reseverd.

Tracheostomy care and outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic- an observational cohort perspective from Cardiff

Introduction: Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic an estimated 5000 surgical and 12000 percutaneous tracheostomies were completed in the UK each year.1 A UK study looking at COVID-19 tracheostomy outcomes found 1605 tracheostomy cases from 126 hospital, median time from intubation to tracheostomy was 15 days while 285 (18%) patients died following the procedure.2 COVID-19 patients also typically spend longer in critical care with prolonged time receiving organ support when compared to patients diagnosed with other viral pneumonias.3 Incidence of laryngeal pathologies are also higher in COVID-19 patients post tracheostomy.4 Objectives: The aim of this observational study was to review the outcomes of patients post tracheostomy insertion during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to non-COVID patients. Method(s): A service evaluation was completed including all patients requiring a tracheostomy since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 within University Hospital Wales, Cardiff. Data was captured from local tracheostomy databases. Patients were grouped into either COVID or non-COVID based on their clinical history. The key outcomes evaluated were number of tracheostomies, average time to cuff deflation and decannulation, critical care and hospital length of stay, occurrence of adverse events and time from critical care admission to tracheostomy insertion. Data was evaluated using descriptive statistics using Microsoft ExcelTM. Result(s): During the review period 58 patients with COVID-19 and 158 without required a tracheostomy. In the COVID-19 group cuff deflation occurred at a median of 10 days post insertion compared to 7 days. Decannulation occurred at a median of 16 days in patients with COVID-19 compared to 18 days. The rate of decannulation was also higher in the COVID-19 group at 74.1% compared to 67.1%. Critical care length of stay was 37 days in the COVID-19 compared to 25 days. Time from intubation to tracheostomy was comparable between groups at a median of 16 days for our COVID-19 cohort compared to 15 days. The incidence of clinical incidents was higher in the non-COVID-19 group at 10.1% compared to 5.2%. Conclusion(s): This internal service evaluation has shown that COVID-19 patients typically spend longer in critical care but their time to decannulation was shorter and their rate of decannulation was higher in our cohort then in the comparison group. This could be due to the tertiary neuroscience and major trauma specialities within our Health Board. Both with groups of patients that, due to the nature of their injuries may require prolonged periods of tracheostomy insertion even after critical care discharge.

Unique vascular complication following extended VV-ECMO support

Objectives: To present an unusual complication related to prolonged ECMO support in a patient with COVID19 induced acute respiratory syndrome (ARDS). Method(s): Clinical chart review of the care process after obtaining the informed consent from the patient. Result(s): A 48-year-old female with COVID-19 infection during second wave of pandemic in August 2021 progressed to severe ARDS. She was put on VV-ECMO support after failing conventional therapy for refractory hypoxemia. Her cannulation configuration included a 25 F venous drainage cannula in the right femoral vein and a 21 F venous return cannula in the right Internal Jugular (IJ) vein. Cannulations were performed using the ;Seldinger technique;under USG guidance, and no difficulties or complications were reported. Her hospital course was notable for delirium, and intermittent bleeding from the cannula sites. After 80 days of support, she showed adequate respiratory improvement which allowed ECMO decannulation. She continued to show improvement, and was eventually discharged after 102 days of total hospital stay. During her 6 weeks follow-up clinic visit a palpable thrill was noted at the jugular ECMO cannula site. A CT angiogram of the neck demonstrated a large venous varix connecting the right IJ and the left common carotid artery with filling from the left common carotid artery. ECMO cannulation site complications such as aneurysm, clots, infections and stenosis are well known. What was unusual in this case is the nature of the aneurysm given that there were no arterial procedures performed on the left side of the neck. She was managed by an ;Amplatzer plug;to the carotid artery at the level of the connection to the varix without any complications. Conclusion(s): Longer duration of ECMO support needs careful follow-up for timely recognition and management of vascular complications. (Figure Presented).

The role of ECMO in pediatric COVID-19: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis

Objectives: The aim of this systematic review and metaanalysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of ECMO in pediatric COVID-19 patients in terms of mortality rate, rate of successful weaning, and frequency of complications. Method(s): A comprehensive search of electronic databases including PubMed, Cochrane Library, and EMBASE was conducted to identify relevant studies published up to December 2022. Inclusion criteria for the studies included observational studies and case series with a minimum of five patients that reported on the use of ECMO in children with COVID-19. Statistical analysis was performed using R version 4.0.3 and the metafor and meta packages. Result(s): Seven studies involving a total of 73 pediatric COVID-19 patients who received ECMO were identified. The pooled estimate of mortality in children receiving ECMO was 21.5% (15 out of 73 patients;95% CI: 9.9% to 40.5%;I2 = 14%). The success rate for weaning off/decannulation of ECMO was estimated to be 85.1% (52 out of 61 patients;95% CI, 67.8-93.9;I2 = 1%). The overall complication rate was 32.6% (14 out of 43;95% CI, 20.3-47.7;I2 = 0%). Conclusion(s): The results of this systematic review and meta-analysis indicate that ECMO may be an effective treatment option for children with severe COVID-19, particularly those requiring mechanical ventilation. The success rate for weaning off/decannulation of ECMO was estimated to be 85.1%, while the overall complication rate was 32.6%. However, the small sample size and high risk of bias in the included studies should be taken into consideration when interpreting these results. Further research is necessary to confirm the efficacy of ECMO in pediatric COVID-19 patients and determine the optimal use of this treatment.

ECMO for the immunocompromised pediatric patient: Our experience

Objectives: To present a series of immunosuppressed patients (oncohematological disease, congenital immunosuppression, hematopoietic stem cell (HSCT), and solid organ transplant) assisted on ECMO. Method(s): Descriptive, retrospective study (2011-2020) of a cohort of 9 immunosuppressed patients, supported on ECMO. Medical records were reviewed and demographic, clinical, and analytical variables were collected. Result(s): In our series of 9 patients, 5 were male, the median age was 8 years [RIC 3-11 years]. Considering the underlying disease, 6 were oncologic, 1 liver transplant and 2 with congenital immunodeficiency after HSCT. 4 were under active chemotherapy (median 6 days after the last cycle [RIC 5-188]). 6 were admitted due to acute respiratory failure, 3 due to hemodynamic instability (3/9), (one septic shock). The median PEEP was 12 [RIC 9-15] and FiO2 100% (81-100%). 78% (6) required vasoactive drugs (median inotropic score 35 [RIC 0-75]. 40%. 5 had severe neutropenia and/or plateletopenia in the 24 hours prior to ECMO, and alterations in acid-base balance (median pH 7. 1 [RIC 6.9-7.15]. 5 were on multiorgan failure. TPrimary ECMO transport was performed in 4 patients (44%). Cannulation was peripheral in 80% (57% cervical, 43% femoral) and central in 20%;70% VA-ECMO. Median time of assistance was 15 days [RIC 3.5-31.5] in cardiac ECMO (4), and 29 days [RIC 13.5-42] and in pulmonary ECMO (n=5). The median total time of admission was 45 days [RIC 27-59]. 9 had an infection, 2 COVID after HSCT, and 8 bleeding complications, but only one required surgical revision. Renal replacement therapy was used in 5 (median 9 days [RIC 5-34.5]). Other therapies used were polymyxin hemadsorption(2), intratracheal surfactant(2), plasma exchange(1), infusion of mesenchymal cells(1) and specific memory T lymphocytes(2). 4 patients died, 5 survived decannulation, 2 died later, with an overall survival rate to hospital discharge of 33% (3/9). Conclusion(s): Despite having a worse prognosis, ECMO can increase survival in immunosuppressed patients, in situations that are challenging and require a multidisciplinary approach.

Management of Acquired von Willebrand Syndrome During Prolonged VV-ECMO

Acquired von Willebrand syndrome (AVWS) contributes to bleeding during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support. Although it is recognized that AVWS rapidly resolves after ECMO decannulation, this approach may often be clinically unsuitable. In such cases, optimal AVWS management during ECMO support is not well established. We report our approach to managing AVWS in a patient on veno-venous (VV) ECMO for 59 days. A 19-year-old male developed hypoxemic respiratory failure from SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Following intubation, he progressed to VV-ECMO support for refractory hypoxemia and was started on bivalirudin for systemic anticoagulation. Two days later, he developed refractory gastrointestinal and oro-nasopharyngeal bleeding despite blood product transfusions and discontinuing bivalirudin. He was started on pantoprazole along with infusions of octreotide and aminocaproic acid. Upper endoscopy on ECMO day 5 revealed an ulcerative bleeding vessel in the duodenum that was clipped. Recurrent mucosal bleeding precluded resumption of systemic anticoagulation. On ECMO day 23, AVWS was diagnosed based on elevated von Willebrand factor (VWF) activity (207%, normal 55-189%) and antigen (234%, normal 50-210%) levels with abnormally low VWF high-molecular-weight multimers. Factor VIII complex was administered twice over the following week. Between doses, the ECMO circuit was exchanged to empirically mitigate suspected shear-related VWF consumption from the fibrin burden, and a repeat endoscopy controlled additional intestinal bleeding with local hemostatic agents. He received 36 units of red blood cells, 2 units of platelets, 2 units of plasma, and 7 pooled units of cryoprecipitate over 31 days leading into these combined interventions. In the 28 days afterwards, he received 3 units of red blood cells, 3.5 pooled units of cryoprecipitate, and no additional platelets or plasma. Our patient was maintained off systemic anticoagulation for 54 of 59 days of VV-ECMO support without any thrombotic complications occurring. With no subsequent clinical evidence of bleeding, repeat VWF testing was done two months post-decannulation and showed near-normal VWF activity (54%) and normal multimer distribution. Our patient rehabilitated well without any neurologic deficits and on discharge was requiring supplemental oxygen with sleep and strenuous activity. Avoiding systemic anticoagulation, repleting VWF, maintaining circuit integrity, and providing local hemostasis, when possible, may be a safe and effective management strategy of AVWS on ECMO support when decannulation is not a viable option.

Tracheostomy outcomes in coronavirus disease 2019: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Tracheostomy is a standard surgical procedure that is used in critically ill patients who require sustained mechanical ventilation. In this article, we review the outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients who underwent tracheostomy. We searched for relevant articles on PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar, up to April 20, 2021. This meta- analysis examines ventilation liberation, decannulation, and hospital mortality rates in COVID-19 patients who have undergone tracheostomy. Two investigators evaluated the articles, and the differences of opinion were settled by consensus with a third author. A total of 4366 patients were included in 47 related articles for this meta-analysis. After data pooling, the proportions of ventilation liberation, decannulation and mortality were found to be 48% (95% CI: 31-64), 42% (95% CI: 17-69) and 18% (95% CI: 9-28) respectively. The Luis Furuya-Kanamori (LFK) index values for ventilation liberation, decannulation and mortality were 4.28, 1.32 and 0.69. No transmission of the disease attributable to participating in tracheostomy procedures was reported in most of the included articles.

Tracheostomy outcomes in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 critical patients

Introduction: Tracheostomy is a common surgical procedure in the setting of acute respiratory failure. And improves outcomes for critically patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. Initially avoided due to it's high risk to biosafety, tracheostomy soon became a routine procedure in the critical support of critical ill patients affected by COVID-19. The aim of this review was to compare tracheostomy done in COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 pneumonias in an UCI. Method(s): This retrospective, observational study included 78 patients (23 female, 55 male;age range: 23-90 years, mean age: 66) with severe pneumonia who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of Hospital Beatriz Angelo (Portugal) between 01/03/2012 until 31/12/2021, to whom a tracheostomy was performed. Patients underwent orotracheal intubation with invasive mechanical ventilation, followed by percutaneous or open surgical tracheotomy. Indications, timing of the procedure, and time needed to complete weaning and decannulation, as well as complications, were reported and compared between patients with COVID-19 (N = 38) and non-COVID-19 (N = 40) pneumonias. Result(s): In both groups, weaning from difficult ventilation was the most common indication for the procedure, followed by prolonged mechanical ventilation in the COVID-19 group (42%) and protection of the airway/secretions management in the non-COVID-19 group (22.5%). Timing of the procedure was 14.6 and 16.4 days after mechanical ventilation in the COVID-19 and non-COVID group, respectively. The non-COVID-19 group reported more days to decannulation (39.3 vs 15.1 days) as well as more days to wean off from mechanical ventilation (20.3 vs 14.1 days) and more major complications (12.5% vs 2%). Hospital discharge rate was similar in both groups (COVID-19 with 42.1% and 42.5% to non-COVID-19). Conclusion(s): Although the differences between both groups are multifactorial, it's useful for self-evaluation observations, as well as sharing practices and outcomes for further analysis.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy: Unmasking Contributing Etiologies

Background: The role of genetic conditions in the development of cardiomyopathy is well established;however, recognition and referral for genetic testing remains underutilized. Systematic review of complex cases can increase general awareness in this area of practice. Here we describe the case of a patient with resolved severe stress induced cardiomyopathy (SIC), who was ultimately found to have heterozygous transthyretin-mediated amyloidosis (TTRA). Case: A 27-year-old man (family history positive for a brother status post heart transplant) presented with ataxia and cough due to legionella pneumonia. TTE showed left ventricular (LV) diastolic diameter of 6.2cm, LV ejection fraction 20-25%. He suffered rapid decompensation with mixed cardiogenic/septic shock requiring peripheral VA ECMO and Impella-CP placement. Course notable for brief cardiac arrest on hospital day (HD) 2, incidental diagnosis of COVID 19 on HD 14, conversion to VV ECMO on HD 15, and ECMO decannulation on HD 23. Repeat TTE prior to discharge showed normalization of biventricular function. Discussion(s): Despite resolution of refractory shock and normalization of biventricular function prior to discharge, the TTE finding of mild LV dilation and strong family history prompted outpatient pursuit of genetic testing which revealed a heterozygous TTRA mutation (val142ile). Work-up to assess cardiac involvement included: a 99m-technetium pyrophosphate scintigraphy found to be indeterminate, an aborted endomyocardial biopsy due to inability to smoothly advance a bioptome (presumably related to ECMO cannulation), and a cardiac MRI (pending at the time of this submission). If a cardiac phenotype is discovered, the patient will be started on targeted treatment of cardiac amyloid. Screening of first-degree family members has been initiated. Conclusion(s): Given the current state of under-diagnosis of genetic cardiomyopathies and its association with significant morbidity and mortality, it is prudent to consider genetic testing in young patients based on clinical history. Examples of clinical scenarios to prompt further testing include: anatomical findings (i.e. cardiac chamber enlargement, left ventricular hypertrophy), family history of cardiomyopathy, or clinical markers suggestive of alternative diagnoses (i.e. neuropathy, renal insufficiency, mediastinal lymphadenopathy). This thoughtful and algorithmic use of genetic testing may help improve long-term patient outcomes given improvements in both detection, family screening, and treatment for disease-specific cardiomyopathies.Copyright © 2022

Decannulation after Covid-19 Ards: Are There Differences between Rehabilitation and Respiratory Wards?

Background: During Covid-19 pandemic, several patients (pts) suffering from ARDS underwent tracheostomy. Decannulation was managed in different step-down units and no standardized procedures are available. Aim(s): To compare time of decannulation and clinical management of tracheostomized pts for Covid-19 ARDS in rehabilitation (R) vs respiratory wards (RW). Method(s): This retrospective, multicenter study compared tracheostomized pts for Covid-19 ARDS, admitted to RW (51 pts) and R (45 pts) from March 2020 to May 2021. Demographic and clinical data, duration of tracheostomy and standard of care in both settings were collected. Result(s): No differences were showed in demographic and clinical data, except the prevalence of Invasive Ventilation (IV): 59% pts in RW vs 38% pts in R (p=0.04). All pts were weaned from IV;time of weaning did not differ in the two wards (median days: 0 [IQR: 0-6.5] in R vs 1 [IQR: 0-7] in RW;p=0.17). In both settings, more than 90% of pts were decannulated and decannulation time was not different (median days: 13 [IQR: 7.5-18.5] in R vs 14 [IQR: 9-17.5] in RW;p=0.67). High flow therapy was more used in R (69% vs 47% pts in RW;p=0.03). The assessment of swallowing was performed in 93% pts in R vs 63% pts in RW (p<0.01). Dysphagia was showed in 43% vs 37% of screened pts in R e RW respectively (p=0.08). The physiotherapy (FT) was carried out in 100% pts in R vs 84% pts in RW (p=0.17). Conclusion(s): The setting of care does not affect time or success of decannulation in Covid-19 tracheostomized pts, probably thanks to FT implementation in both wards. High prevalence of dysphagia was detect indicating the need for swallowing screening and speech therapy.

Predictive indexes in prolonged weaning of mechanical ventilation due to tracheostomy in patients with COVID19 pneumonia

Introduction: In the pandemic, porlonged weaning(PW) of mechanical ventilation (wMV) of COVID patients in the intermediate respiratory care unit IRCU was performed. It was necessary to use predictive indexes for(wMV), which do not generate aerosolization of viral particles. Objetive: To develop a oredictive indexes for wMV and tracheostomy decannulation (TCHd) for COVID-19 pneumonia in IRCU. Method(s): The sample consists of 76 serial cases to the IRCU, in 2020 and 2021. Indexes were developed with an oxygenation variable (PaO2/FiO2) or (SatO2/FiO2), respiratory rate (RR) and corrected (C) in based alveolar ventilation (PCO2), the following indexes were developed as predictors of wMV;ventilation-oxygenation index IVOX= (PaFi/RR), IVOX corrected for PCO2 is IVOX-C=(IVOX x Oco2) and with SaFi the SIVOX-C= [(SaFi/RR) x PCO2]. The StatPlus 7.3 program forWindows was used of the Mann-Whitney U (M-WU) comparing their mean values, using binary logistic regression (BLR) and area under curve AUC ROC to compare their predictability. Result(s): Mean age 58,9 +/-14,4;male 53,7% and the stay in the IRCU was 16,7+/- 11 days, mortality of 28,3%(22);received MV (71,0%) 54. wMV was(70,4%)38 and TCHd was (67,3)35. The mean differrences in disconnected and non-diconnected from MV analyzed by M-WU are significante. An BLR model was built to analyze the predictive behavior ofIVOX, IVOX-C and SIVOX-C for wMV. It was observed that the three indexes are predictive, but IVOX-C and SIVOX-C have the highest predictive weight. In turn the AUC ROC was significance. Conclusion(s): The construction of a predictive indexes of wMV and TCHd in this sample the patients who reached the objective.

Timing and Predictors of Decannulation: Comparison Between COVID-19 and NO-COVID-19 Ards

Background: Tracheotomy is a routine procedure for patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation (MV) in intensive care units (ICUs), included Covid-19 ARDS, for which few data about decannulation are available. Aim(s): To compare time to decannulation between Covid-19 and no-Covid-19 ARDS and identify possible predictive factors. Method(s): In this retrospective, multicenter study, 96 tracheotomized patients, admitted from March 2020 to May 2021 in 5 pulmonary wards after an ICU stay due to Covid-19 ARDS, are compared to 32 tracheotomized ARDS patients not associated to Covid-19 admitted before its outbreak. Clinical, demographic data and comorbidities are analyzed. Result(s): Median age is lower in Covid-19 group;sex prevalence, body mass index (BMI) and frailty do not differ between the two groups as well as timing of decannulation (median days: 14 [IQR 9-22] vs 13 [IQR 8-18] in noCovid-19 and Covid-19 ARDS, respectively;p=0.08). In a multivariate linear regression analysis, Medical Research Council (MRC) scale (beta -0.33;p<0.0001), duration of steroids (beta 0.28;p=0.001), clinical complications (beta 0.27;p=0.004), PaO2/FiO2 ratio (beta -0.25;p=0.007) and history of smoke (beta 0.18;p=0.04) significantly predict timing of decannulation in both groups. Conclusion(s): Timing of decannulation in Covid-19 ARDS patients is not different from no-Covid-19 ARDS. In Covid19 patients, past knowledge about decannulation and the need of relieve post-ICU setting avoid the delay in decannulation time if compared to no-Covid-19 patients. ICU-acquired weakness, evaluated by MRC scale, seems to be a strong predictor of longer time to decannulation in the two groups.

Good outcome of tracheostomy in a COVID-19 child with Joubert syndrome-Case report.

Pediatric tracheostomy in COVID-19 patients is a rarity. Joubert syndrome is a rare genetic disease, involving a lack of muscle control. We report the case of a child with Joubert syndrome and a severe form of COVID-19 infection, in whom we performed tracheostomy in order to replace prolonged intubation and mechanical ventilation; successful decannulation was performed after 12 months. Successful decannulation is still possible in a child with severe comorbidities (Joubert syndrome) even if it might take much longer than in patients without comorbidities.

Functional Laryngeal Assessment in Patients with Tracheostomy Following COVID-19 a Prospective Cohort Study.

To explore laryngeal function of tracheostomised patients with COVID-19 in the acute phase, to identify ways teams may facilitate and expedite tracheostomy weaning and rehabilitation of upper airway function. Consecutive tracheostomised patients underwent laryngeal examination during mechanical ventilation weaning. Primary outcomes included prevalence of upper aerodigestive oedema and airway protection during swallow, tracheostomy duration, ICU frailty scores, and oral intake type. Analyses included bivariate associations and exploratory multivariable regressions. 48 consecutive patients who underwent tracheostomy insertion as part of their respiratory wean following invasive ventilation in a single UK tertiary hospital were included. 21 (43.8%) had impaired airway protection on swallow (PAS ≥ 3) with 32 (66.7%) having marked airway oedema in at least one laryngeal area. Impaired airway protection was associated with longer total artificial airway duration (p = 0.008), longer tracheostomy tube duration (p = 0.007), multiple intubations (p = 0.006) and was associated with persistent ICU acquired weakness at ICU discharge (p = 0.03). Impaired airway protection was also an independent predictor for longer tracheostomy tube duration (p = 0.02, Beta 0.38, 95% CI 2.36 to 27.16). The majority of our study patients presented with complex laryngeal findings which were associated with impaired airway protection. We suggest a proactive standardized scoring and review protocol to manage this complex group of patients in order to maximize health outcomes and ICU resources. Early laryngeal assessment may facilitate weaning from invasive mechanical ventilation and liberation from tracheostomy, as well as practical and objective risk stratification for patients regarding decannulation and feeding.

Modern Vv-Ecmo for Respiratory Therapists

Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) is recommended for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) with refractory hypoxemia or when lung protective ventilation cannot be applied. Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic led to the increase in the cases of ARDS requiring VV-ECMO. As a result, critical care respiratory therapists (RTs) are more frequently involved in the care of VV-ECMO patients. In this role, the RTs are not only required to have basic knowledge of ECMO technology, but they also must understand the complex interaction between a patient, a ventilator, and an ECMO machine. The objective of the presentation will be to provide RTs with the essential practical knowledge of modern VV-ECMO therapy required for the treatment of ARDS patents. The presentation will include perfusionist's and RT's perspectives from one of the largest academic health networks in North America. It will be demonstrated that the collaboration between two clinical fields of perfusion and respiratory therapy is required for the optimal care to the ARDS patients. The presentation will cover the main steps of therapeutic algorithm for VV-ECMO ARDS patients: 1. an optimization of mechanical ventilation before VV-ECMO consideration;2. VV-ECMO indications;3. start, maintenance and weaning phases of VV-ECMO;4. post decannulation. The complex interaction between a patient, a VV-ECMO machine, and a mechanical ventilator as well as challenges of respiratory monitoring will be discussed. The obtained knowledge will allow RTs to provide optimal respiratory care at each stage of VV- ECMO process.

Cricotracheostomy for patients with severe COVID-19: A case control study.

Background: Tracheostomy is an important procedure for the treatment of severe coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). Older age and obesity have been reported to be associated with the risk of severe COVID-19 and prolonged intubation, and anticoagulants are often administered in patients with severe COVID-19; these factors are also related to a higher risk of tracheostomy. Cricotracheostomy, a modified procedure for opening the airway through intentional partial cricoid cartilage resection, was recently reported to be useful in cases with low-lying larynx, obesity, stiff neck, and bleeding tendency. Here, we investigated the usefulness and safety of cricotracheostomy for severe COVID-19 patients. Materials and methods: Fifteen patients with severe COVID-19 who underwent cricotracheostomy between January 2021 and April 2022 with a follow-up period of ≥ 14 days were included in this study. Forty patients with respiratory failure not related to COVID-19 who underwent traditional tracheostomy between January 2015 and April 2022 comprised the control group. Data were collected from medical records and comprised age, sex, body mass index, interval from intubation to tracheostomy, use of anticoagulants, complications of tracheostomy, and decannulation. Results: Age, sex, and days from intubation to tracheostomy were not significantly different between the COVID-19/cricotracheostomy and control/traditional tracheostomy groups. Body mass index was significantly higher in the COVID-19 group than that in the control group (P = 0.02). The rate of use of anticoagulants was significantly higher in the COVID-19 group compared with the control group (P < 0.01). Peri-operative bleeding, subcutaneous emphysema, and stomal infection rates were not different between the groups, while stomal granulation was significantly less in the COVID-19 group (P = 0.04). Conclusions: These results suggest that cricotracheostomy is a safe procedure in patients with severe COVID-19.

The Percutaneous Tracheostomy in Head and Neck Oncology Surgery

Introduction/Aims: Enhanced experience in performing percutaneous dilatational tracheostomies (PDT) during the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in changes to airway management for patients undergoing head and neck reconstructive surgery at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham. All patients now receive a percutaneous tracheostomy over the previously favoured surgical tracheostomy (ST), unless contraindicated. This ambispective case series aimed to review experiences in performing percutaneous tracheostomies, whilst comparing complication rates with surgical tracheostomies performed in similar settings. In addition, we propose a selection criteria for identifying patients suitable for PDT. Material(s) and Method(s): All patients undergoing free flap reconstruction for head and neck cancer treatment between June 2020-November 2021 were included, with 56 patients receiving PDT. This was compared with data of 56 ST performed before the COVID-19 pandemic. Results/Statistics: In the percutaneous group, a marginally lower complication rate was observed over the surgical tracheostomy group;28.57% and 30.35% respectively. Although not statistically significant, time to decannulation was slightly lower in PDT group (5.8 days) compared to ST group (7.3 days). An additional observed advantage included quicker tracheostomy wound healing with PDT. Analysis of the 16 patients who experienced complications with PDT aided development of the selection criteria for identifying patients for percutaneous tracheostomy. This selection criteria considers BMI, ASA, bleeding risk and positioning deformities. Conclusions/Clinical Relevance: This study has demonstrated PDT to be an equally safe and successful technique with a similar complication rate to ST in head and neck cancer reconstruction surgery. Moving forward, further studies with larger sample sizes would be recommended to draw conclusions. Copyright © 2022

Post-Decannulation Analgosedation Weaning in Covid-19 Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Patients

INTRODUCTION: COVID-19-associated acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) has necessitated the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to support patients with impaired respiratory function. Reports of increased analgosedation requirements in COVID-19 patients receiving ECMO highlight the possible challenges of weaning analgesia and sedation once these patients are decannulated. METHOD(S): This retrospective cohort analysis investigated analgesia and sedation requirements in COVID-19 and non- COVID-19 patients after venovenous (VV) or venopulmonary artery (VPa) ECMO decannulation. The primary outcome was time to weaning of parental analgosedation. Secondary objectives included incidence of enteral analgosedative use to facilitate weaning of parenteral agents, discharge analgesia and sedative prescribing patterns, and incidence of weaning failure. RESULT(S): A total of 58 patients were included;32 COVID-19 ECMO and 26 non-COVID-19 ECMO patients. There was a higher incidence of prolonged weaning postdecannulation in the COVID-19 group compared to the non- COVID-19 group (59.4% vs. 46.2%, P = 0.43). The median (IQR) time to weaning of all parenteral agents was 8 days (4-13) in the COVID-19 group and 6 days (2-10) in the non- COVID-19 group (P = 0.32). Of all agents, median duration to wean dexmedetomidine was longest in both the COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 groups [9.25 days (3.75-13);4.75 days (2-6.75) (P = 0.15)]. COVID-19 patients had a higher incidence of antipsychotic use to facilitate weaning (88% vs. 65%, P = 0.06) and prescription on discharge (47% vs. 27%, P = 0.17). Approximately 19% of patients in each group experienced failure to wean parenteral analgosedation and required re-initiation of parenteral agents during the postdecannulation period. CONCLUSION(S): Weaning of analgosedation was longer in COVID-19 ECMO patients following decannulation. COVID-19 ECMO patients also required greater addition of enteral therapies to manage analgesia and sedation in the post-decannulation period. Future studies are needed to investigate strategies to optimize sedation in these patients.

Long-term Outcomes Following Prolonged Mechanical Ventilation for COVID-19

Introduction: The purpose of this study is to evaluate longterm laryngotracheal outcomes in patients who required 10 or more days of invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) for COVID-19. Method(s): This is a prospective cohort study of patients previously hospitalized for active COVID-19 infection between January 2020 and March 2021 who required intubation for 10+ days. Subjects who met criteria were enrolled at an outpatient laryngology clinic, where they underwent a clinical evaluation with head and neck exam, nasolaryngoscopy, and patient-reported outcome measures (Voice Handicap Index, EAT-10). Medical history was collected through electronic medical record review. Result(s): In total, 166 patients met criteria based on chart review. Of these patients, 31 (18.6%) were deceased since discharge. Enrolled subjects included 16 patients, 2 women and 14 men, with mean (SD) age of 57.4 (14.12) years. The mean duration (SD) of IMV was 36.8 (21.8) days. Fourteen of 16 patients underwent tracheostomy for prolonged endotracheal intubation. The mean time (SD) from hospital admission to intubation was 2.7 (3.2) days, intubation to tracheostomy or extubation was 13.9 (5.3) days, and tracheostomy to decannulation was 38.1 (22.6) days. Conclusion(s): Patients who required prolonged mechanical ventilation to treat COVID acute respiratory distress syndrome demonstrated significant laryngeal or tracheal pathology during laryngoscopy at 1-year follow-up, though subjectively, their self-reported voice and swallowing deficits were mild.

Characterizing Surgical Management of Laryngotracheal Stenosis in COVID-19 Patients

Introduction: Early literature describes an array of laryngotracheal complications in patients who were hospitalized with COVID-19. Laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS), in particular, is difficult to manage, requiring multiple procedures, frequent follow-up, and long-term reliance on tracheostomy. We aim to characterize the timeline and challenges associated with surgical management of LTS in this patient population. Method(s): We conducted a retrospective review of patients who presented to laryngology clinic after hospitalization with COVID-19 at a tertiary academic medical center from June 2020 to September 2021. Those who were diagnosed with LTS, intubated during their hospitalization, and underwent surgical management were included. Data on patient demographics, duration of intubation and tracheostomy, access to specialty clinic, and timeline of surgical care were collected. Result(s): A total of 9 patients were identified. Six patients had posterior glottic stenosis (PGS) (67%), 1 had subglottic stenosis (SGS) (11%), and 2 had tracheal stenosis (22%). The median duration of intubation was 21 days (IQR: 15-30). Of the patients, 67% underwent tracheostomy during the study period. Median duration of time between tracheostomy placement and decannulation was 75 days (IQR: 59.5-117). The median duration between COVID-19 diagnosis and presentation to laryngology clinic was 150 days (IQR: 65-209). All 6 patients with PGS underwent at least 1 laser cordotomy procedure. Those with SGS and tracheal stenosis underwent endoscopic procedures, while the latter patients also underwent tracheal resection. The median duration between COVID-19 diagnosis and the first operating room (OR) procedure was 201 days (IQR: 83.5-308.5). The median number of OR procedures per patient was 2 (IQR: 1-3.5). Conclusion(s): LTS after hospitalization with COVID-19 represents a significant challenge for both patients and their providers, often requiring multiple surgeries and delays in tracheostomy decannulation. Studies characterizing surgical management and long-term outcomes in these patients are imperative.