Tracheostomy is one of the most common intensive care unit procedures performed. There are serious risks, long-term and acute when placing a tracheostomy. A tracheostomy will seriously negatively effect a persons quality of life.
Disadvantages of tracheostomy:
Complications of tracheostomy:
What is Biphasic Cuirass Ventilation (BCV)?
BCV is a simple concept. BCV provides an efficient and effective method of non-invasive external ventilation and is a real alternative to traditional forms of ventilation.
BCV works using a clear plastic shell called a Cuirass. The cuirass is lightweight and has a foam seal that maintains an airtight fit on the patient’s chest. It is very comfortable to wear. It is available in 12 different sizes, ranging from babies to adults.
Can a tracheostomy be removed if using BCV?
The tracheostomy can be removed provided there is a patent airway and a physician determines that BCV is fulfilling the ventilatory requirements of the patient.
Can BCV be used instead of invasive ventilation?
Yes, in most cases BCV can be used instead of invasive ventilation.
Find out more, or visit our FAQ section.
A 23-year-old female came to the hospital requiring complete ventilator support. With a history of respiratory failure, asthma, scoliosis, severe chronic/restrictive lung disease, and many other complications, she was considered “unweanable.”
She had 3 prior intubations, currently has a tracheostomy, and was undergoing a prolonged weaning from mechanical ventilation when her healthcare team decided to utilize BCV. The patient was weaned from complete ventilatory support within 2 weeks. After the initial adjustment period of a few days, the patient was able to tolerate BCV very well.
In just over 2 weeks thereafter, the patient was maintained on 40 percent-humidified O2 via trach collar during the day, and used BCV at night.
When asked about her experience with BCV, the patient wrote, “When they first put it on me, I was nervous about how it would feel. It felt different because my body wasn’t used to it. I felt discomfort at first, but as my body got adjusted to it, I felt much better and the discomfort was no longer there. In the beginning I was on it for 24 hours, but as I got better, now I use it only to go to bed. To me that says a lot. I feel it is worth using it because it has helped me maintain a low CO2 level, and helping my lungs expand so I can breathe better.”
The patient was discharged to home after more than 3 months of intensive therapy on an inpatient surgical unit. She has returned to the outpatient clinic several times since discharge and is doing well.
Find out more, or visit our FAQ section.