An orphan drug framework (ODF) for Canada

摘要

The most common strategy of airway management to aid invasive mechanical ventilation in the intensive-care unit involves placement of an endotracheal tube.1 This translaryngeal approach, which makes oral care, communication, and feeding challenging, is often poorly tolerated unless sedation is administered.2 Thus, clinicians might consider exchange of this tube for a tracheostomy if a prolonged period of ventilation is expected. The anticipated benefits of tracheostomy include enhanced comfort, improved pulmonary toilet, and decreased sedation requirements. These benefits should accelerate liberation from the ventilator and discharge from the intensive-care unit, thus preventing complications and improving survival.