How do you sterlize a trach for reuse?

[lovemy3]

We have never had to reuse a trach before but it looks like we are about to do it tomorrow. Jackson was just downsized three weeks ago and his trach is now on national backorder (supposedly) so we won't get new ones until July. I have saved the two from trach changes we have done in the last two weeks.

If you reuse trachs what do you do to get them ready? I assume boiling water? How long? Do I put anything else in the water? I was going to do it tonight and sit it out to dry so we can do his trach change tomorrow.

Thanks!

[kadiera]

Depends on the brand. Shileys can't be boiled.

We clean with soap and water (we use the pipe cleaners in the trach cleaning kids to get the inside clean). We soak overnight in a 1:4 vinegar:water mix, rinse with distilled water, air dry, and then put away for later use.

This method was used by 2 of our hospitals on both Shiley and Bivona trachs.

[lovemy3]

Thank you Janet, I should have said Bivona.

Our ENT just faxed over directions they follow and they match yours!

[davidsmom]

We used to re-use Bivona's. We followed the instructions that are on the sheet in the box. We washed it with soap and water and the sterilize we boiled water, once it started boiling we dropped the trach in the water and took it off the stove. Left the trach in there until the water was cool enough for us to take the trach out. We let it air dry on sterile piece of gauze and put it in a zip lock baggie so it was ready to be used.

[Momoffive]

Ditto as per Davidsmom - that's the process right from the Bivona insert that we have done for years, (apart from the fact that they say to do the cleaning first, then later, i.e. just prior to use to use the boiling water). We've never had any kind of trach infection or stoma irritation etc. from this method!

[Sweet Harrison's mommy]

I am just amazed you have never had to re-use bivonas!! We just downsized Harrison and our insurance is claiming that they will only cover 1 trach per year. Absolutely absurd! We had doctors write letters of medical necessity, so for now, we only have 2 trachs (which is making me insanely nervous since Harrison has a nasty cold right now!).

Anyways, we have always washed and reused trachs (rotated between 4). We soak overnight in distilled water and peroxide mixed together. Then we use the pipe cleaners in the trach care kit to clean more thoroughly under warm water, let air dry over night, and store in a new plastic baggie.

[JessicaG]

We follow exactly the directions for bivonas from David'a mom. I hate the idea of reusing over and over but we have no choice , we have 3 plus our emergency one.

[Bodie's Dad]

Originally Posted by Sweet Harrison's mommy

I am just amazed you have never had to re-use bivonas!! We just downsized Harrison and our insurance is claiming that they will only cover 1 trach per year. Absolutely absurd! We had doctors write letters of medical necessity, so for now, we only have 2 trachs (which is making me insanely nervous since Harrison has a nasty cold right now!).

Anyways, we have always washed and reused trachs (rotated between 4). We soak overnight in distilled water and peroxide mixed together. Then we use the pipe cleaners in the trach care kit to clean more thoroughly under warm water, let air dry over night, and store in a new plastic baggie.

That is rediculous that they are allowing you one trach per year. Our insurance booted Bodie off after reaching the "lifetime maximum benefit" so now he's on Medicaid only. They allow for three Trachs per month but only 5 HMEs.

What size does Harrison use? I may have some extras unopened.

[IzzyB]

I thought we were bad with 1 trach a quarter. Our private insurance that we lost at the end of last year would pay for 5 a month.

I still can't believe the 5 HMEs per month, that is just insane. I have no clue how your survive. My son needs a new one every 4 hours. Luckily we found those green sponge ones. I wish when we had private insurance I realized that we could have gotten more supplies earlier, because I would have been able to stock up more on some of this stuff.

[Sweet Harrison's mommy]

Originally Posted by Bodie's Dad

That is rediculous that they are allowing you one trach per year. Our insurance booted Bodie off after reaching the "lifetime maximum benefit" so now he's on Medicaid only. They allow for three Trachs per month but only 5 HMEs.

What size does Harrison use? I may have some extras unopened.

Isn't it ridiculous?!? Harrison is on Florida kidcare (basically, a medicaid HMO), but florida is notoriously bad with special needs funding. Nursing hours, medicaid, supplies, etc...they are one of the worst states to provide support for those who need it.

Harrison is in a Bivona, 3.0, PEDS. He cannot tolerate Shiley for some reason. I put a post on the medical supply page on facebook, hoping someone has extras. If not, we are just going to suck it up and buy a couple full price, I guess. No other choice. I do have 1 trach mom friend who is sending me some 2.5's, so at least we will have the size smaller in case of an emergency.

What kind of HME does Bodie user? We have about 8-10 Humid-vent mini's that Harrison doesn't use. He never tolerated an HME.