[Transtracheal oxygen therapy with oxycath: introduction technic, complications, results in 12 treated patients]

Continuous oxygen therapy is essential in the treatment of advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A transtracheal oxygen administration system is more effective in the rehabilitation of these patients than are traditional systems, nasal canula or Venturi mask devices. In the present work the authors describe a simple technique for introducing the transtracheal catheter. The procedure is performed under local anesthesia and a Teflon catheter is inserted between the second and third tracheal rings. In a case study of 12 patients the complications encountered included purulent drainage of the skin tract and accidental displacement of the transtracheal catheter. No procedure related deaths were incurred. Subjectively, the patients experience a sensation of being able to breathe more easily, thus resulting in increased outdoor activity.