What Is Transtracheal

Transtracheal oxygen therapyis a method used to deliver oxygen directly to the lungs. It is used to treat chronic hypoxemia (low blood oxygen). A small plastic catheter is surgically placed in your neck and sits in your windpipe (trachea).

Why would anyone use a Transtracheal catheter instead of a nasal cannula?

Lower Oxygen Requirements Because the transtracheal catheter delivers the oxygen right where it’s needed, it reduces resting oxygen requirements in most patients by 50-60%. Transtracheal oxygen allows individuals to use their portable oxygen system more frequently and for longer periods of time.

Which of the following are advantages of using Transtracheal oxygen to therapy catheters?

• TTO delivery bypasses the “dead space” in the upper airways and mouth, allowing oxygen to pass directly into the trachea.
• This reduces the overall oxygen needed during rest and with exercise.