[Experiences with long-term transtracheal oxygen therapy].

A transtracheal catheter (TTC) (Scoop) was implanted in 24 patients (19 men, 5 women) with a mean age of 64 +/- 9 (47 to 78) years. The pO2 was 6.78 +/- 1.65 kPa. Two patients suffered from pulmonary restriction, 22 from severe COPD with a FEV1 of 880 +/- 165 ml. Purulent tracheitis developed in six patients. The pre-Scoop catheter had to be removed in three. In four patients, bronchoscopic aspiration of mucus plugs adhering to the tip of the TTC was necessary. In one patient, the TTC was removed after an uneventful course due to patient's discomfort; another patient no longer qualified for LOT. 19 patients were using the TTC without major problems. Of those, five have died due to severe lung disease. By using TTC, oxygen consumption is halved for the same degree of oxygenation. 12 are using a demand valve device (Oxymatic), which allows a further conservation of oxygen. Patients prefer LOT by a TCC for cosmetic reasons and lack of nasal discomfort.