tracheostomy tube

 Tracheostomy Tube

A tracheostomy tube is placed into the hole to keep it open for breathing. Th surgical procedure to create this opening is called tracheotomy and hole or opening is called stoma.

A tracheostomy (trach) tube is a curved tube that is inserted into a tracheostomy stoma (the hole made in the neck and windpipe (Trachea)).

Tracheostomy tube or trach tube is an indwelling tube used to maintain patency of the tracheostomy.

Tracheostomy tubes available in metal tracheostomy tube (for long term use) or plastic tracheostomy tubes.

Tracheostomy tube is inserted and will remain in the stoma (hole). A tracheostomy may be temporary or permanent.

Types of Tracheostomy Tube

Tracheostomy tubes can be cuffed or uncuffed.

1. Cuffed tracheostomy tube

Cuffed tracheostomy tubes allow secretion clearance and offer some protection from aspiration, and positive-pressure ventilation can be more effectively applied when the cuff is inflated.

Cuffed tracheostomy tubes has a balloon-like feature at the distal end of the tube.

If the cuff is inflated (filled with air), it will prevent air from moving through vocal cords. This will stop from making speech. If the cuff is deflated, the air is able to move around the trach and through vocal cords, able to make limited sounds and speak.

2. Uncuffed/ cuffless tracheostomy tube

Uncuffed tubes allow airway clearance but provide no protection from aspiration. 

Uncuffed tube may permit limited speech.

Tracheostomy Types

1. Percutaneous tracheostomy

Percutaneous tracheostomy is a safe and widely performed procedure on the intensive care unit (ICU) in critically sick patients.

2. Surgical tracheostomy

Surgically created hole (stoma) in your windpipe (trachea) on the operation theatre.

3. Mini tracheostomy

Non-cuffed tracheostomy tube which is inserted through the cricothyroid membrane, procedure known as cricothyroidotomy.

Size of Tracheostomy Tube 

The Tracheostomy tube size available according to age/weight.

7mm; 14 to <16 years 

6.5mm; 12 to <14 years 

6mm; 10 to <10 years

7-7.5 mm recommended for female and 8-8.5 mm tubes recommended in men.