Tracheostome Maintenance by Obturator for Prolonged or Future Need

Abstract

Maintenance of a tracheostome by obturator is a valuable adjunct in airway-related problems of long duration. Obturators have hitherto been used principally for infants and children during decannulation efforts. Synthetic obturators are useful in adults who may not require a conventional tracheal cannula for breathing for prolonged periods or when the probability exists of need for a repeat tracheostomy in the future. Patients with chronic lung disease, vocal cord paralysis with polypoid corditis, lupus erythematosus, pemphigus, myasthenia gravis and head and neck cancer have had their tracheostomes maintained by synthetic obturators during symptom-free periods. It is simple to substitute conventional tracheal cannulas or cuff tubes when needed. Synthetic obturators are simply made, inexpensive, easily cleaned, cause no tissue reaction and permit speech without finger occlusion.