trachiamalacia

[Averyl]

hi all

My dad had surgery jan 5th suffered significant blood loss with subsequent multi organ failure. ICU have done an amazing job to get him through but following setback after setback he remains in ICU and on a ventilator 90 days post surgery. He had trachiamalacia now and they are unable to wean him off the vent. He currently has a tracheostomy. Anyone know of treatment to repair trachiamalacia? My dad is 79 and has fought so hard to get to the point where he is walking with a rollator frame with support of physio but unfortunately still ventilated

[Sepsur]

I have a friend whose airways became increasingly restricted - she has a permanent trachy now but isn’t ventilated. She says it’s very easy and certainly was an adequate solution to her condition

[Averyl in reply to Sepsur]

I understand my dad needs the vent as the positive pressure from the vent is what is keeping his airways open. Did your friend have issues with weaning and did the trachiamalacia resolve to some degree? Thank you for the reply

[Sepsur in reply to Averyl]

she had a permanent trachy fitted way after ICU - I understand your father’s need for remaining on vent - the reason my friend had permanent trachy was due to a medical condition that restricts the airways - permanent trachy means she can breath. Your father will obviously need additional respiratory support until his diaphragm is strong enough to help him breathe on his own. I suggest they may leave a trachy in to counteract trachiamalacia

[Rhyl1 Partner Moderator ICUsteps]

There’s a helpful leaflet about tracheomalacia at:- cuh.nhs.uk/patient-informat.... There are also NICE guidelines for treatment with surgery at nice.org.uk/guidance/ipg243... which you might find helpful.

[Averyl in reply to Rhyl1]

thank you