Laryngectomy patients often use Heat Moisture Exchangers (HMEs) since their airway bypasses the mouth and nose after the laryngectomy. So, if trach patients' airways also bypass their mouth and nose, at least in part, why are HMEs not widely used with this population as well? Dr. Alan Shikani, MD, FACS, FARS, joins me for episode 210 of Swallow Your Pride to talk about the benefits and intricate details of the Shikani HME for tracheostomized patients.

Dr. Shikani brings the data in this episode! He gets into the knitty-gritty of tracheal inflammation, mucus, crusting, and ulceration! Make sure you've eaten lunch before listening in, if you're a little squimish, but this is an episode you can't miss!

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In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How a Shikani HME works to increase heat and moisture for trach patients

• Why heat, moisture, and filtration are necessary for ALL patients

• What patients think of the Shikani HME

• What happens when inhaled air is not humidified, warmed nor filtered

As always, thanks for listening!