REFUNCTIONALIZATION OF THE AERODIGESTIVE CROSSROADS IN A PATIENT WITH A TRACHEOSTOMY CANNULA IN AN INTENSIVE CARE UNIT: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this report is to present the role of the speech pathologist as part of the health team involved in the decomplexization of critically ill patients in Intensive Care Units, even when patients have an artificial airway.

CLINICAL CASE

39-year-old female patient, with a history of rheumatoid arthritis, admitted to hospital due to sensorium deterioration. He required mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy. Swallowing and phonation are evaluated and rehabilitated from the refunctionalization of the aerodigestive crossroads with a rehabilitation plan that included progressive cannula occlusion, sensory-motor stimulation and performance of Blue Test and modified Blue Test, with a negative result until decannulation and initiation of oral feeding.

DISCUSSION

The pathophysiological entities of communication and swallowing derived from the use of an artificial airway in patients hospitalized in the Intensive Care Unit require an early approach by the speech therapist to reduce and/or limit functional sequelae.