Mark,
I use to use a Portex trach that had disposable inner cannulas and changed it every 4 weeks. I then switched to a Bivona trach that has no inner cannula. Because of this, I decided to start changing every 2 weeks. I had no proof at the time but I always thought the flexible silicon material that Bivona trachs are made of had to be terribly porous compared to the hard pvc material that Portex tubes were made of. I see now from what Larry posted I'm probably right.
Eric
Mark Boatman wrote:
My trach has been changed every 12 weeks since I got
the trach in 2/03. I started developing infections
after the 6 week mark so I requested more frequent
changes. After much arm twisting my doc agreed to
change it every 6 weeks. But he warned me that
changing the trach more often could bring infections. If this happens he said the changes would go back to
every 12 weeks. I just wanted input on this from you
all.
Mark B.
