Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 18, 2025

Manufacture of a Multi-Purpose Low-Cost Animal Bench-Model for Teaching Tracheostomy
Published on: May 18, 2019
Reducing Tracheostomy Medical Device-Related Pressure Injury: A Quality Improvement Project
Hazel Holder1, Brittany Ray Gannon2
1Hazel Holder is Critical Care Clinical Nurse Specialist, New York Presbyterian Westchester, 55 Palmer Ave, Bronxville, NY 10708 (hnh9002@nyp.org).
Objective:
To reduce the incidence of medical device-related pressure injuries associated with tracheostomies performed with the percutaneous dilation technique using a standardized multidisciplinary intervention.
Methods:
The intervention was developed using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality Preventing Pressure Injuries Toolkit. A fenestrated polyurethane foam dressing was sutured in place under the tracheostomy flange during insertion to reduce the risk of medical device-related pressure injuries. The sutures were removed in pairs over a period of 7 to 10 days.
Results:
Comparison of data from 2018 to 2021 demonstrated a decrease in the incidence of tracheostomy medical device-related pressure injuries from 13% to 0% in the first year, which was maintained for the following 3 years. This improvement was supported by electronic medical record audits, daily interdisciplinary rounds, weekly practice assessments, and primary nurse evaluations.
Conclusion:
Implementation of a standardized process, supported by an interdisciplinary clinical team, can reduce medical device-related pressure injuries among patients undergoing percutaneous dilation tracheostomy.
Related Concept Videos
Oxygen Delivering System III: Tracheostomy and T-piece
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 I: Pre-procedural Steps
Required Equipment
The equipment necessary for tracheostomy care includes:
Oxygen Delivering System II: Venturi Mask and Transtracheal Oxygen
Venturi Mask
The Venturi mask, named after the Venturi effect, is designed to deliver precise oxygen concentrations. It consists of a large tube with an oxygen inlet that narrows down, causing a pressure drop that pulls air in through adjustable side ports. The mask is a lightweight,...
Tracheostomy: Procedure and Tubes
Tracheostomy tubes can be made of semiflexible plastic (polyurethane or silicone), rigid plastic, or metal, and they come in...
Tracheostomy Care II: Procedure
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene, and put on personal protective equipment: gown, gloves, mask...
Tracheostomy Decannulation
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...

