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Related Concept Videos

Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes01:28

Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes

A tracheostomy is a surgical procedure that creates an artificial opening into the trachea, typically at the second or third cartilaginous ring level. This opening allows the insertion of a tracheostomy tube, which can replace an endotracheal tube, provide mechanical ventilation, bypass an upper airway obstruction, or remove accumulated tracheobronchial secretions.
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
Tracheostomy Care I: Pre-procedural Steps01:16

Tracheostomy Care I: Pre-procedural Steps

A tracheostomy is a surgical technique that involves making an incision in the neck to provide access to the trachea. It is frequently used in medical conditions such as airway obstruction and prolonged mechanical ventilation. Effective nursing management is crucial for the long-term success of a tracheostomy.
Required Equipment
The equipment necessary for tracheostomy care includes:
Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece01:23

Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece

Oxygen delivery is critical in clinical care, especially for patients with respiratory disorders or those undergoing surgical procedures. Various systems, such as tracheostomy and the T-piece, deliver oxygen to the lungs, ensuring adequate arterial oxygenation.
Tracheostomy
A tracheostomy is a surgically created opening (stoma) in the anterior part of the trachea. It is used to establish a patient airway, bypass an upper airway obstruction, simplify the removal of secretions, permit long-term...
Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure01:25

Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure

Tracheostomy care is an essential nursing skill that involves cleaning and maintaining a tracheostomy tube to prevent infection and other complications. Here's a step-by-step guide explaining each procedure with its rationale. Note that disposable gloves are to be worn at all times and changed as often as needed to maintain a sterile work environment, and to protect both patient and healthcare worker.
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask and...
Tracheostomy Decannulation01:21

Tracheostomy Decannulation

Tracheostomy decannulation is a significant milestone in the liberation of mechanically ventilated patients. Despite its importance, there is no universally accepted protocol for this procedure. This demands an evidence-based, individualized approach.
Description of the Procedure
Decannulation refers to the permanent removal of the tracheostomy tube, signaling the resolution of the condition that initially necessitated the tracheostomy. The process requires a well-coordinated interplay between...
Trachea01:22

Trachea

The trachea, commonly known as the windpipe, is a vital part of the human respiratory system. It serves as a passageway for air to travel between the larynx and the bronchi, allowing oxygen to reach the lungs. Let's explore its anatomical features, dimensions, layers of the tracheal wall, associated muscles, and the functions of its parts.
Anatomical Features:
Location: About half of the trachea is situated in the neck, anterior to the esophagus, and extends from the larynx (at the level of the...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Endotracheal Intubation via Tracheotomy and Subsequent Thoracotomy in Rats for Non-Survival Applications
04:43

Endotracheal Intubation via Tracheotomy and Subsequent Thoracotomy in Rats for Non-Survival Applications

Published on: March 15, 2024

Tracheostomy: why, when, and how?

Charles G Durbin1

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology, University of Virginia, Box 800710, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA. cgd8v@virginia.edu

Respiratory Care
|July 30, 2010
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Early tracheostomy in intensive care unit (ICU) patients improves comfort and shortens hospital stays, with percutaneous techniques offering a safe and effective option. Mortality is not worsened and may be improved with timely procedures.

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Last Updated: Jun 10, 2026

Endotracheal Intubation via Tracheotomy and Subsequent Thoracotomy in Rats for Non-Survival Applications
04:43

Endotracheal Intubation via Tracheotomy and Subsequent Thoracotomy in Rats for Non-Survival Applications

Published on: March 15, 2024

Measuring Pressure Volume Loops in the Mouse
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Seeding and Implantation of a Biosynthetic Tissue-engineered Tracheal Graft in a Mouse Model
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Area of Science:

  • Critical Care Medicine
  • Surgical Procedures
  • Respiratory Therapy

Background:

  • Tracheostomy is a common procedure in intensive care units (ICUs).
  • Purported benefits include improved patient comfort, earlier mobilization, and reduced ICU/hospital length of stay.
  • Safety and optimal timing remain subjects of ongoing evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the evidence supporting the advantages of tracheostomy in ICU patients.
  • To discuss the evolving techniques and optimal timing for performing tracheostomy.
  • To assess the impact of tracheostomy on patient outcomes, including mortality.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature and data on tracheostomy procedures in ICU settings.
  • Analysis of different tracheostomy techniques, emphasizing percutaneous dilation with bronchoscopic control.
  • Evaluation of studies examining the timing of tracheostomy relative to intubation duration.

Main Results:

  • Significant data supports tracheostomy for patient comfort, early movement, and shorter ICU/hospital stays.
  • Percutaneous dilation techniques with bronchoscopic control are increasingly popular worldwide.
  • Mortality is not negatively impacted and may be improved with earlier tracheostomy, particularly in specific patient groups.

Conclusions:

  • Tracheostomy should be considered as soon as prolonged intubation (over 14 days) is anticipated.
  • Bedside percutaneous techniques are safe, efficient, and allow for timely procedures with low morbidity.
  • Individualized timing, including daily weaning assessment, is crucial, often within 7 days of intubation.