| 摘要 |
A method and apparatus for weaning a ventilator-dependent patient employs a transtracheal catheter that is inserted through the patient's tracheostomy tube to continuously augment the flow of oxygen to the lungs as the patient breathes spontaneously. In particular, the weaning process involves disconnecting the ventilator from the tracheostomy tube; deflating the tracheostomy tube cuff so that the patient can breathe spontaneously through the upper airway; removably inserting a transtracheal catheter through the tracheostomy tube; and supplying a continuous flow of an oxygen/air mixture through the transtracheal catheter and into the lungs of the patient. This process can be used in association with a specially modified tracheostomy tube having a removable cannula and a number of fenestrations through the wall of the tracheostomy tube to decrease resistance to air flow through the patient's airway. The transtracheal catheter can be equipped with a button or plug having clips to engage and cover the proximal opening of the tracheostomy tube.
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