Pulmonary Function Testing in Patients with Tracheostomies: Feasibility and Technical Considerations

Pulmonary function testing (PFT) in patients with tracheostomies has been perceived as difficult to perform and clinically unreliable. We studied the feasibility, quality, repeatability and clinical significance of PFT. Patients with tracheostomies that underwent PFT from January 1, 2010 to February 29, 2012 were identified. Clinical history and PFT data were reviewed retrospectively. Fifty patients (88% men) were identified. Forty-seven (94%)...