Center of reference for neurogenic swallowing disorders and tracheostomy tube management

Severe dysphagia given a tracheostomy tube is able to support a patient at profound difficulties with breathing and is able to prevent pulmonary aspiration of foreign matters likewise (e.g. saliva, vomit). Apart from multidisciplinary coordination of the weaning process (weaning from tracheostomy tube) and assessment of the timing of decannulation (final removal of tracheostomy tube) the tracheostomy tube management covers the special knowledge of the various types of tracheostomy tubes and the applicability thereof equally. According to multidisciplinary in-house established guidelines for the weaning process in compliance with international standards a therapy plan harmonised to the individual patient´s needs is implemented. This therapy plan aims at optimising the tracheostomy tube care and thus renders successful decannulation possible by realisation of improved breathing and swallowing functions. Complying with detailed criteria a decision as to the ideal occasion for decannulation will be made. Close collaboration as well as continuous communication among the involved occupational groups constitute key success factors in order to achieve this goal.