Abstract: PURPOSE: To evaluate the application effect of a new type of gas cutting catheter protection device in the rehabilitation period of patients with tracheotomy after oral tumor surgery. METHODS: A total of 150 patients with oral tumor undergoing tracheotomy were selected. According to random number table, they were divided into experimental group(n=76) and control group(n=74). The experimental group used a new device to cover the tracheotomy, while the control group used traditional method. Patients in both two groups were observed for the frequency of changing covering and neck wound care, the degree of environment pollution, the incidence of complications and satisfaction. RESULTS: The experimental group was better than the control group in reducing medical consumables and clinical workload of nurses; the incidence of lower respiratory tract infection in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group; the anti-splash effect and satisfaction of the experimental group were higher than those of the control group(P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The new protective device for tracheotomy tube can prevent sputum splashing, prevent virus and bacteria in the air. It reduces the risk of occupational exposure to medical staff. It also reduces the incidence of pulmonary infection, decreases the expenditure of medical consumables, and helps patients better return to their families and society.

Key words: COVID-19, Oral tumour, Tracheotomy, Nosocomial infection, Pulmonary infection, Protective device