|
|
Article: How to lengthen a tracheostomy tube.(SPECIAL TOPICS CLINIC)(Brief Article)
- Article from:
- Ear, Nose and Throat Journal
- Article date:
- June 1, 2005
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2005 Vendome Group LLC. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
|
In some patients, standard tracheostomy tubes are not long enough to actually reach the trachea. When faced with such a situation, the otolaryngologist can construct a customized, adjustable-flange tube by following a four-step procedure:
Step 1. Assemble the necessary equipment. You will need an orotracheal tube and a standard tracheostomy tube with an adjustable flange (figure, A).
[FIGURE A OMITTED]
Step 2. Cut the flange off the tracheostomy tube (figure, B).
[FIGURE B OMITTED]
Step 3. Cut the cuff off the orotracheal tube (figure, C).
[FIGURE C OMITTED]