Weaning from mechanical ventilation with high flow oxygen therapy via tracheal cannula

Abstract

Introduction: Application of oxygen at high flows via nasal cannula can be used in patients with hypoxemic respiratory failure and to prevent reintubation. It is well tolerated by the patients and has been associated with lower mortality. However, there is very little data on the use of oxygen at high flows connected to tracheal cannula (HFOTC). Case presentation: We present two patients in whom weaning from mechanical ventilation was difficult and we decided to use HFOTC for weaning. Weaning from mechanical ventilation with HFOTC was successful in both patients and they tolerated long term (4 and 2 days, respectively) ventilatory support with HFOTC without adverse effects. Conclusions: HFOTC might be used during weaning from mechanical ventilation, however, more data is needed to determine the optimal use of this treatment option.

Keywords

• intensive care medicine
• ventilator weaning
• high-flow oxygen therapy
• tracheal cannula
• nasal cannula