tracheostomy Breakthrough Announced 5/26/00

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Tracheostomy Breakthrough Announced

May 26, 2000

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A technique for creating a tube-free

opening to the trachea allows patients on a ventilator to talk and cough without

assistance.

Patients who have obstructed airways often have a tracheostomy, a

procedure that inserts a tune in the front of the neck to assist breathing. In

some patients, such as those with chronic diseases such as stroke or lung

disease, a tracheostomy may be needed permanently. A tube is used to keep the

opening patent, but this tube can cause problems—the new procedure, it is hoped,

will improve on this.

" This is a different approach to bypassing the larynx or pharynx and

establishing a non-obstructed airway, " said Dr. Isaac Eliachar of the Cleveland

Clinic Foundation in Ohio. He presented a report on the new technique, called

long term tracheostomy, at the Triological Society meeting in Orlando, Florida.

Between 1992 and 1999, Eliachar established tube-free tracheostomies

in 35 patients using a surgical technique that establishes a short, skin-lined,

self-supporting nostril-like opening into the trachea or windpipe. According to

Eliachar, the patients' average age was 52 years; about one-half of the total

number of patients were male.

Following surgery, all patients were trained to intentionally

constrict the stoma (surgically-created opening). Eighteen of the patients

achieved unaided speech using intentional constriction of the stoma, Eliachar

added. Four patients required a supplemental surgical technique, which utilizes

muscle tendons in the neck to create a muscular 'sling'. " The supplementary

procedure augments the patients' ability to constrict the stoma, " he explained.

The remaining patients achieved limited speech and opted for no

further surgery.

The surgery, " reestablishes the patients' normal tracheobronchial

secretions, " and permits patients to communicate, " using their best voice, (to)

cough, and (to) smell, " Eliachar told Reuters Health.

Tube-free tracheostomy is reversible, Eliachar said. " (It) can be

used for any long term or permanent bypass of the airway, " he added. " Most

patients are very pleased with the procedure, especially those (who) previously

had a tube. "

Copyright 2000 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication

or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is

expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall

not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken

in reliance thereon.

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[Guest guest]

,

Dr. Eliachar is my Ent at the Clinic and he is brilliant. It is unfortunate

that he has a limited practice because of his research.

I heard a rumor that he is phasing out his practice .

Hugs,

Sandy

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Tracheostomy Breakthrough Announced

May 26, 2000

NEW YORK (Reuters Health) - A technique for creating a tube-free

opening to the trachea allows patients on a ventilator to talk and cough

without assistance.

Patients who have obstructed airways often have a tracheostomy,

a procedure that inserts a tune in the front of the neck to assist

breathing. In some patients, such as those with chronic diseases such as

stroke or lung disease, a tracheostomy may be needed permanently. A tube is

used to keep the opening patent, but this tube can cause problems-the new

procedure, it is hoped, will improve on this.

" This is a different approach to bypassing the larynx or pharynx

and establishing a non-obstructed airway, " said Dr. Isaac Eliachar of the

Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio. He presented a report on the new

technique, called long term tracheostomy, at the Triological Society meeting

in Orlando, Florida.

Between 1992 and 1999, Eliachar established tube-free

tracheostomies in 35 patients using a surgical technique that establishes a

short, skin-lined, self-supporting nostril-like opening into the trachea or

windpipe. According to Eliachar, the patients' average age was 52 years;

about one-half of the total number of patients were male.

Following surgery, all patients were trained to intentionally

constrict the stoma (surgically-created opening). Eighteen of the patients

achieved unaided speech using intentional constriction of the stoma,

Eliachar added. Four patients required a supplemental surgical technique,

which utilizes muscle tendons in the neck to create a muscular 'sling'. " The

supplementary procedure augments the patients' ability to constrict the

stoma, " he explained.

The remaining patients achieved limited speech and opted for no

further surgery.

The surgery, " reestablishes the patients' normal

tracheobronchial secretions, " and permits patients to communicate, " using

their best voice, (to) cough, and (to) smell, " Eliachar told Reuters Health.

Tube-free tracheostomy is reversible, Eliachar said. " (It) can

be used for any long term or permanent bypass of the airway, " he added.

" Most patients are very pleased with the procedure, especially those (who)

previously had a tube. "

Copyright 2000 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved.

Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or

similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of

Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the

content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

More News

a.. General Health

a.. Top News

a.. This Week in Health

a.. Allergy

a.. Arthritis

a.. Asthma

a.. Babies

a.. Cancer

a.. Caregivers

a.. Children's Health

a.. Dental / Oral Health

a.. Diabetes

a.. Ears

a.. Eyes

a.. Fitness

a.. Workplace Health

a.. Headache

a.. Heart Health

a.. HIV / AIDS

a.. Medications

a.. Men's Health

a.. Mental Health

a.. Multiple Sclerosis

a.. Nutrition

a.. Pregnancy

a.. Prevention

a.. Senior Health

a.. Sexual / Reproductive Health

a.. Skin and Hair

a.. Sleep

a.. STDs

a.. Stress Reduction

a.. Stroke

a.. Today in Health History

a.. Weight Management

a.. Women's Health

Special Reports

Search the InteliHealth News

Tips For Effective Searching

Printer-friendly format