Effects of Automed Sputum Aspirating Device for the Patients With Congenital Muscular Dystrophy Using TPPV (P4.116)

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of an automated sputum aspirating device for patients with congenital muscular dystrophy using tracheotomy positive pressure ventilation (TPPV) while in a long-term care bed. BACKGROUND: For patients using TPPV, tracheal suction is very important care for the respiratory tract, however manual suction can be harmful. Here an automated sputum aspirating device is composed of a tracheal cannula with a suction port with an internal tube-tip and a suction apparatus capable of continuous suction of a small fixed quantity. This allows for a safe and stable method to aspirate the patient’s sputum in the trachea. DESIGN/METHODS: An automated sputum aspirating device was used for two months for seven patients using TPPV. The value of SpO 2 , the number of respiratory tract infections, the frequency of manual suctioning, the number of nurse calls, and the expense of manual suctioning were analyzed with t test before and after the study. SF-8, a scale of health related quality of life was also measured. Adverse events were investigated during the study. RESULTS: Patients were from 20 to 28 years old. Durations for TPPV were from 10 to 220 months. Two patients withdrew due to tracheal pain after exchanging to a new tracheal cannula for the device. The lowest value of SpO 2 in a day did not deteriorate, except for one patient. One patient suffered pneumonia. The frequency of manual suctioning, the number of nurse calls, and the expense of manual suctioning in a day decreased ( P < 0.001) in all patients. One patient showed improvement in the SF-8 score. CONCLUSIONS: The automated sputum aspirating device adequately supports the quality of life of TPPV patients and caregivers and reduces expenses for manual suctioning. Study Supported by: This study was supported by grants from the National Hospital Organization. Disclosure: Dr. Fukudome has nothing to disclose. Dr. Matsuo has nothing to disclose.