Tracheostomy Care

Course overview

A tracheostomy may be done in an emergency, at the patients bedside, or in an operating room. Anesthesia pain relief medication may be used before the procedure. Depending on the persons condition, the tracheostomy may be temporary or permanent. Tracheostomy tubes are available in several sizes and materials including semi flexible plastic, rigid plastic, or metal. The tubes are disposable or reusable. They may have an inner cannula that is either disposable or reusable. The tracheostomy tube may or may not have a cuff. Cuffed trach tubes are generally used for patients who have swallowing difficulties or who are receiving mechanical ventilation. Noncuffed trach tubes are used to maintain the patients airway when a ventilator is not needed. The choice of tube is based on your condition, neck shape and size and purpose of the tracheostomy.