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Tracheostomy

 

What is a tracheostomy?

  • A surgical hole made in the trachea, through which a tracheostomy tube is passed
  • Attached to ventilation bag/machine
  • Use: a tracheostomy is performed for long-term ventilation in intensive care
  • Note: a needle or surgical cricothyroidotomy is different and is used in the emergency setting when an acute upper airway obstruction is preventing endotracheal intubation

 

How to perform a tracheostomy

  • A trachestomy is a complex procedure and beyond the scope of this site.
  • The video below is included for interest only – full surgical, ENT, ED or anaesthesia training required.

Other airway pages