High-flow oxygen therapy via tracheostomy to liberate COVID-19-induced ARDS from invasive ventilation: A case series

Abstract

Heterogenous lung involvement with differing phenotypes characterizes COVID-19-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (CARDS). The liberation of these patients from mechanical ventilation has been challenging. Excessive stress and strain following increased respiratory efforts spiral their vulnerable lung tissue into ventilator-induced lung injury vortex. The use of high-flow oxygen therapy via tracheostomy (HFOTTracheal)eases weaning process. Asa safe option for both the patientand the healthcare workers, HFOTTracheal was successfully employed to wean two CARDS patients from the mechanical ventilator.