Tracheostomy Supplies

What is Tracheostomy?

Tracheostomy (pronounced with an emphasis on the “os”) is the procedure during which a surgical incision that goes from the front of the neck through the air pipe is created. When a patient is having chronic breathing difficulty, a tracheostomy will be performed. The tracheostomy will provide a new path to help a person breathe when he cannot do so in the natural way.

The terms “tracheostomy” & “tracheotomy” are interchangeable, although in professional terms the tracheotomy is the incision itself and the tracheostomy is the actual surgical procedure.

What is a Tracheostomy Stoma?

A stoma is an artificial opening made into a hollow organ, and the tracheostomy stoma is the opening in the neck resulting from the surgical procedure.

Tracheal Tube: What is the Purpose of a Tracheostomy Tube?

A tracheal tube is placed into a surgical incision (tracheotomy) made in the windpipe (trachea). It provides respiratory assistance for patients with long-term breathing difficulties. The tracheostomy tube provides air to the lungs, and clears away excess mucus in the lungs. A tracheostomy or tracheal tube can be used with a ventilator.

Why Would a Patient Require a Tracheal Tube?

There are several situations which can necessitate the use of a tracheal tube:

1. The patient is paralyzed or has neurological problems.
2. The patient is on a ventilator for 14 days straight, or more.
3. The patient has a condition or illness that narrows the airway.
4. The patient is unable to breath properly and using an endotracheal tube is not an option.
5. Neck or head trauma that has caused the patient to find it difficult to breathe.

In all the aforementioned situations, a tracheal tube will likely be used.

Trach Collar

A trach collar keeps oxygen tubes secured in place even when a patients is coughing heavily or undergoing spasms. It’s placed over the tracheal tube that’s in the tracheotomy incision in the throat.

A trach collar is also referred to as a tracheal collar, a tracheostomy collar, or tracheostomy or trach ties.

It is available in several styles and circumference sizes, and in foam, neoprene, or cotton, so that it will meet the needs of all patients.

Children under age 6 should only use cotton ties to keep the trach tube in place, and children above 6 who are the type to undo Velcro ties should have cotton ties, as well.

Wearing a tracheostomy collar can significantly reduce weaning time as opposed to using pressure support as a means of weaning the patient off the trach.

Trach Suctioning

Trach suctioning uses negative pressure to clean away secretions and extremely thick mucus from the lower airway and the windpipe. Suctioning is performed post respiratory treatment, before the patient goes to sleep for the night, and after he awakens in the morning.

Endotracheal Tube

Like a tracheostomy tube, an endotracheal tube, provides the patient with respiratory assistance. Here’s the difference between the two:

A tracheostomy tube goes directly to the windpipe through and opening in the neck, and an endotracheal tube is usually inserted through the mouth, although it is sometimes inserted through the nose.

Endotracheal Tube Holder

An endotracheal tube holder keeps the endotracheal tube firmly stabilized and secured in place. It helps prevent the tubes from accidentally becoming disconnected or extubated. Many endotracheal tube holders can be secured to the area without adhesives, thus preventing the patient and caregiver from having to deal with skin irritation on top of everything else.

Trach Tube Holder

A trach tube holder does the same as an endotracheal tube holder does: It prevents the trach tube from extubation, and keeps it properly positioned and securely in place. It’s also known as a trach collar.

Choosing Tracheostomy Care Products

Whether you need a tracheostomy tube, trach collar, trach tube holders or anything else for your loved one or patient, the AvaCare Medical team will supply you with your needs promptly, amicably and efficiently.