A tracheostomy is an opening in the trachea (windpipe) through the neck, which allows one to breathe more easily. A tracheotomy (surgical opening in the trachea) may be performed because of an obstruction, blockage, or swelling preventing normal airflow between the mouth, nose, and lungs. Air is inhaled through the tube in the neck, not through the mouth or nose. Should the tracheostomy tube become dislodged, the opening may begin to close within seconds if a tube is not reinserted promptly.
Though some people live long productive lives with a tracheostomy tube, for many the tube is not permanent. If the condition necessitating the tube improves, the doctor may decide to remove it. The doctor determines when it is safe to remove the tracheostomy tube and allow the opening to close. The tracheotomy (surgical opening) will heal on its own and does not require additional surgery.
The purpose of a tracheostomy tube is:
- To provide an adequate airway
- To provide an easy method of removing secretions from the trachea and lungs.
Parts of the tracheostomy tube are:
- Outer cannula: maintains the opening of the airway.
- Inner cannula: locks into the outer cannula and is easily removed for cleaning.
- Obturator: inserted into the outer cannula to act as a guide when inserting the outer cannula into the stoma.
fits on the inner cannula to redirect the airflow back through the mouth and nose.
