Weaning

Weaning refers to the process of removing a patient's dependence on the tracheostomy, resulting in its eventual removal. A tracheostomy should be removed as soon as it is no longer required.

Weaning involves a number of steps and can take several days or weeks for the patient to progress through the stages of weaning, in order to meet the criteria allowing successful decannulation. The care of patients with tracheostomies will be multidisciplinary. Reviewing the need for a tracheostomy and planning weaning should be part of the daily assessment.

There are 4 stages to weaning:

  • Cuff deflation

  • One way valve use

  • Capping off

  • Decannulation

  • Cuff Deflation

    GO

  • Speaking Valve

    GO

  • Capping Off

    GO

  • Decannulation

    GO