Abstract
For patients with tracheostomy who require continuous mechanical ventilation, establishment of communication is a critical issue in treatment. Above cuff vocalization (ACV) was first reported in 1967 and has been favorably reevaluated worldwide in the past few years as a communication tool for patients with tracheostomy. While mechanical ventilation is continued, oxygen or air is retrogradely delivered at approximately 5 L/min through the port above the cuff of the tracheostomy tube. This process generates airflow to the vocal cord and enables patients to vocalize. Recently, we implemented ACV in two patients, and they were able to vocalize for the first time in several months. Both the patients and their families were greatly satisfied. The complications observed were leakage of insufflated air from the tracheostomy stoma and pharyngeal discomfort. For wide implementation of ACV, further research and studies on aspects such as standardization of the procedure and establishment of safety will be necessary.
