Question 6.3
Question 6.3
What is the item shown in the photograph below?
6.3 b) List the specific design features of Item a, which make it suitable for use.
College Answer
Adjustable flange allows variability of tracheostomy length
Softer tube enables more flexible curvature
Reinforced tubing prevents kinking
High volume, low pressure cuff
Radio-opaque due to reinforced tubing
Able to be inserted via percutaneous technique
Discussion
This is a flanged tracheostomy tube.
John Hopkins have a good basic page about the diffrent types of tracheostomy tubes.
A more detailed look is afforded by this product brochure from Smith.
An insanely detailed review is also available.
Thus :
- The tube has a curved portion and a straight portion, which allows the flange to be adjusted to the appropriate pretracheal tissue thickness.
- Adjustable flange allows adjustment of tracheostomy length to any length of patient neck
- It is suitable for patients with up to 50mm of pretracheal tissue
- Soft tube allows a degree of flexibility, especially when warmed to body temperature.
- The tubing is reinforced, which prevents kinking
- The material is MRI-friendly
- High volume, low pressure cuff
- Radio-opaque tubing allows visualisation of position on CXR (but there is no "blue line" like with ETTs
- Some of these are designed for percutaneous insertion
References
Hess, Dean R. "Tracheostomy tubes and related appliances." Respiratory care50.4 (2005): 497-510.