The high flow trach adapter (HFTA) is used to attempt to deliver 100% relative humidity to a trach as well as the ability to have an inline suction catheter.
In order for this to happen, the flow rate going by the trach has to be at a flow rate that is equal to or higher than the patients inspiratory flow. Otherwise the patient will meet their inspiratory flow need by pulling in air from the room and thus not guaranteeing the delivered FiO2 as well as changing the humidity level of the inspired gas.
The Heater Temp should be set to an invasive setting ( 37 Deg)
Another suggestion is that when a patient is in an ICU and Trached, that the HFTA be used and changed to the standard T-Collar home system once they are on the floor or if they are going home from the icu, before discharge.
Flow differences from HFNC and HFTA
The flow differs from a Highflow NC system because, the highflow trach adaptor flow goes by the trach and excess flow is passed by the patients airway and out the large hole on the adapter much like a T-tube system (see video). The HFNC systems flow is forced into the nasopharynx and does not have the ability to bypass the patient when the flow exceeds the patients inspiratory flow demand.
Because of this, the flow rate is not ordered on the HFTA and is set based on the patients weight and thus a target probability of inspiratory flow per policy.