SBA 3934

What are the components of a typical tracheostomy tube?

  • Typically made up of three parts:
Outer Tube

Inner Tube
    Obturator
  • A curved plastic tube with a proximal flange that is sutured or tied in position on the neck
  • Has a proximal 15 mm connection for a breathing system (some designs require inner tube to be places to connect to a standard 15mm circuit)
    • A simple plastic sleeve that slides inside the outer tube
    • May easily be removed to allow cleaning or if plugged with secretions
    • Paediatric tubes are often of a single-cannula design (without an inner tube)
      • A plastic insert with a bullet-shaped tip that protrudes from the tracheostomy tube
      • Used to facilitate tube insertion and must be removed in order to ventilate
        • What are the features of a standard tracheostomy outer tube?
        Tube Shaft

        15mm Connector
          Cuff, Pilot Balloon & Port
        • Curved or angled (110° to 135°) tube to conform closely to the anatomy of the trachea
          • Neck Flange
        • Often have a tapered tip to aid insertion
          • Subglottic Port
        • Square cut tip (not bevelled) to reduce the risk of obstructing the tube against the wall of the trachea
          • 15mm connector is attached to allow the tracheostomy tube to be attached to a breathing circuit for ventilator support
          • May be found on the inner tube on certain types of tracheostomy
            • Creates a seal to facilitate positive pressure ventilation and prevent from aspiration
            • High-volume low-pressure cuffs most commonly used
              • Allows tube the tube to be fixed in place by ribbons tied around the patients neck or by sutures
                • Linked via an integrated channel to a small hole in the shaft of the tube above the cuff
                • Allows secretions that pool above the cuff to be removed by suction