Secretions, occlusion status, and swallowing in patients with a tracheotomy tube: a descriptive study.(Clinical report) From: Ear, Nose and Throat Journal | Date: December 1, 2006| Author: Brady, Susan; Donzelli, Joseph; Theisen, Melissa; Wesling, Michele | COPYRIGHT 2006 Vendome Group LLC. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan.  All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group.Copyright information

Abstract

We conducted a prospective, descriptive study of 40 tracheotomized patients to investigate the relationships between (1) levels of accumulated oropharyngeal secretions and laryngeal penetration/aspiration status, (2) secretion levels and tube-occlusion status, and (3) tube-occlusion status and aspiration status. Assessments of secretion status were quantified with the use of a 5-point rating scale. All evaluations were made by fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of...