Trach cuff inflation and deflation issues

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Hi there...

I am having some issues that I'm hoping to get some feed back on...

I provide care to a gentleman with a trach and I'm having an issue with removing the fluid I fill the cuff with. I inflate the cuff the perform an MIE and once I'm done I go to deflate the cuff and it took about fifteen minutes. I tried a new syringe, one with fluid in it and one with out. I have never had an issue like this before and I'm unsure what would cause such a thing. I did end up getting it deflated but it to longer than it ever has as well as longer than it should. Has anyone ever had an issue as such?? Please help me figure this out.... THANKS :)

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What is the fluid you are using? If it is saline then the port valve and/or tubing is messed up and the trach will have to be changed. Only sterile water should be used.

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are cuff are air inflated

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

I'd replace the trach. It sounds like it's malfunctioning.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

First I have to ask...what is a MIE? Many acronyms are local to a facility.

It sounds like the valve is malfunctioning/clogged/defective and the trach needs to be replaced. Saline should not be used as it accelerates the malfunction of the valves due to crystallization of the salt in the saline onto the valve.

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Specializes in PICU, Sedation/Radiology, PACU.

MIE is Mechanical Insufflation-Exsufflation device. More commonly known as a Cough Assist.

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