Dear Editor, Inability to speak during mechanical ventilation (MV) increases
psychoemotional distress during ICU treatment [1]. Although relevant for all ICU patients, this …

An in-line speaking valve (SV) is a one-way valve that may be used in the mechanical
ventilation circuit to enable verbal communication in tracheostomised patients. Deflation of …

Dear Editor, Critically ill patients often experience difficulties with communication, for
example due to intubation, use of face-masks or intensive care unit-acquired weakness …

Dear Editor, There is increasing interest in complications of critical illness, which may play a
major role in lengthening the duration of hospitalization [1]. Between 42 and 60% of critically …

Dear Editor, Communication with intubated patients is very difficult as the endotracheal tube
impedes vocal cord mobility and consequently also patient vocalization. These …

Approximately 14% of ventilated patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) receive a
tracheostomy, which has a profound impact on communication, swallowing and other co …

Purpose The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the introduction of in-line
tracheostomy speaking valves (SVs) on duration of mechanical ventilation and time to verbal …

To the Editor, Overall, 5–15% of ventilated patients require prolonged mechanical
ventilation, most frequently with a tracheostomy. 1 The optimal method for weaning patients …

Objectives: To investigate the effect of SV on respiratory mechanics in tracheostomised
mechanically ventilated patients. Method: Ten consecutive tracheostomised patients able to …

We read with great interest the work of Lacherade and colleagues (1), which adds to the
growing evidence to support the use of subglottic secretion drainage during mechanical …