- Research Article
- 10.25110/arqsaude.v30i2.2026-12138
THE USE OF PORTABLE VENTILATORS ADAPTED TO TRACHEOSTOMY IN CLINICAL PRACTICE
- Mar 11, 2026
- Arquivos de Ciências da Saúde da UNIPAR
- Soraya Rodriguez Pousa Yanez + 4 more +4
Introduction: Introduction: The use of portable ventilators (PV) adapted to tracheostomy has been observed in critical patients in clinical practice. Objective: The study aimed to identify the characteristics associated with the indication for PV, patient outcomes, and survival. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study conducted with adult tracheostomized patients. Data collected included demographics, severity scores, reasons for ICU admission and intubation, days of mechanical ventilation (MV) until tracheostomy, cause of tracheostomy, and outcomes (ICU and hospital). Univariate analysis compared the groups with and without PV. Odds ratios (OR) assessed the likelihood of PV use, and age-adjusted logistic regression evaluated associated variables. Hospital survival was studied using the Kaplan-Meier method. Results: A total of 95 patients were included. The mean age was 71 years, with 58% being female. The median SAPS II was 55, and the Charlson Comorbidity Index was 4. Patients with an indication for PV (n=71) were older and had a longer continuous sedation time. Those intubated due to acute respiratory failure had a lower chance of using PV than those intubated for other causes. Hospital survival was higher in the PV group; however, the hospital mortality rate did not differ between the groups. Conclusion: PV use in tracheostomized patients was greater in the elderly and those intubated due to neurological causes or COPD. Despite higher survival, the similar hospital mortality rate suggests the need for further interventions. The literature reinforces that a multidisciplinary approach is essential to manage the complex dysfunctions in these patients with prolonged hospitalization.
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