The Kelley Circuit
A solution for the management of in-hospital self-ventilating tracheostomy patients, providing humidification and filtration, with closed circuit suctioning.
We are pleased to be able to share information about the Kelley Circuit with you. The Kelley Circuit is a novel method of managing in-hospital self-ventilating tracheostomy patients that allows for humidification, filtration and closed-circuit suctioning.
ICU Physiotherapist James Kelley has developed a clinical method providing closed suctioning for non-ventilated patients with tracheostomy. The system uses the Freevent XtraCare HMEF which provides two-way filtration and protection for the patient and clinician thereby reducing risk during AGPs.
The Kelley Circuit provides the following:
- Humidification and filtration upon inspiration (protection for the patient)
- Filtration upon expiration (protection for the health care professional)
- Closed-circuit and sterile suctioning (protection for the patient and health care professional)
The document is authored by James Kelley et al. from the Wellington Hospital in London, UK and contains a description of the solution, a link to a YouTube video on the solution and 4 case studies.
This work has been featured on the websites of the National Tracheostomy Safety Project and the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Respiratory Care. It was also discussed on the recent Global Tracheostomy Collective webinar, ‘Putting Safety First During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Practical Strategies for Healthcare Workers and Patients with Tracheostomy’.

- Download the document from the link below.